How to Prevent Bacterial Resistance

Bacterial resistance is increasing at a rather fast rate. This is mainly due to ineffective infection prevention and inappropriate use of antibiotics.

Bacterial resistance is one of the most disturbing problems in the world today. This is because infections are increasingly becoming resistant to antibiotic treatment at a rather fast pace.

Estimates indicate that this kind of resistance is growing exponentially. This is largely due to the misuse of antibiotics, which people often overuse. We’ve reached a point in which many treatments against bacteria are no longer effective.

This situation is dangerous as we’re increasingly becoming defenseless against various infectious diseases. Furthermore, we require individual, collective, and governmental actions to keep the problem from getting worse.

What’s bacterial resistance?

It’s the mechanism by which bacteria reduce the action of attacking agents. It’s a process of natural selection and genetic adaptation by which these microorganisms overcome certain drugs.

In addition, bacterial resistance occurs when the concentration of an antibacterial is four times lower than the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). In other words, when the bacterium has a fourfold increase in its ability to overpower its attacker.

Currently, the speed with which new resistant organisms emerge is greater than the speed with which new ones are available. We have, therefore, a deficit that continues to grow and leaves us in a compromising situation in the face of infectious diseases.

Types and mechanisms of bacterial resistance

There are two types of bacterial resistance. One is natural. Therefore, it’s part of the very nature of bacteria. The other one happens when genetic mutations that repel antibiotic substances take place. Such mutations are passed down to other bacteria, including those of other species.

There are several mechanisms of bacterial resistance:

• The first is the active expulsion of the bacteria, which functions as a kind of ejector pump.
• The second mechanism is the reduction of the permeability of the bacterial wall (the increase of access barriers for the bacterial, for example).
• The third mechanism is the production of enzymes that render the antibiotic inactive. This means they inhibit the normal action of the drug and make it ineffective.

Strategies to prevent bacteria resistance

The first strategy to prevent bacteria resistance is to prevent infections. One can achieve this through simple actions such as frequent hand washing, cooking food properly, avoiding contact with infected people, having safe sex, and staying up-to-date on vaccinations.

At this point, it’s important to note the importance of proper hygiene when cooking. The World Health Organization (WHO) points out five keys to do so:

1.  Keep kitchen spaces and elements clean.
2.  Separate raw food from cooked food.
3.  Exercise food safety when cooking.
4.  Preserve food at the right temperature.
5.  Use clean water and uncontaminated raw materials.

Likewise, it’s important for people to only take antibiotics when prescribed by a doctor and not to self-medicate. They must also follow professional’s instructions regarding schedules and doses.

It isn’t advisable to interrupt the treatment even if you feel better. There’s a risk that more resistant bacteria may develop if you don’t take the prescribed amount of drugs.

Other control measures

Agricultural workers should use antibiotics on animals only under the strict supervision of a veterinarian. This is because the inappropriate use of these drugs in agriculture or animal husbandry is one of the main causes of bacterial resistance. It spreads to the environment and to humans through the food chain.

Health personnel should also take extreme control measures in this regard. Researchers detected that doctors prescribe 50% of antibiotics for viral diseases, despite the fact that they shouldn’t. In fact, they should only prescribe antibiotics if there’s a certainty that these are absolutely necessary.

Government authorities and independent institutions should remain vigilant to an outbreak of infection and determine whether it’s resistant to antibiotics ASAP. It’s also essential for them to inform and educate their citizens on the best way to prevent infectious diseases.

It’s necessary for researchers and the pharmaceutical industry to join forces in order to intensify studies on this subject. The whole world should support research on this since much of our well-being and future depend on it.