Antimicrobials

Understanding Antimicrobials

  • Antimicrobials are drugs that kill or stop the growth of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi.
  • They work by interfering with key functions of the microbes, such as protein synthesis, cell membrane function, or DNA replication.
  • Common types of antimicrobials include antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals.
  • Antimicrobials are valuable tools in the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases, but must be used responsibly to avoid the development of resistance.

Antibiotics: One type of Antimicrobial

  • Antibiotics are a type of antimicrobial that specifically target bacteria.
  • They can be classified as bacteriostatic, which slow or stop bacterial growth, or bactericidal, which kill bacteria.
  • Different antibiotics target different types of bacteria, with some being broad-spectrum to treat a wide range of infections, while others are narrow-spectrum and target specific bacteria.
  • Antibiotics can be naturally occurring, semi-synthetic (modified in the lab), or entirely synthetic.

How Antimicrobial Resistance Develops

  • Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) happens when microorganisms change in ways that make the medications used to cure the infections they cause ineffective.
  • This can occur through spontaneous mutation, or more frequently, through horizontal gene transfer between bacteria.
  • The misuse and overuse of antimicrobials can accelerate the development of resistance.
  • AMR is a significant global challenge, as it threatens the effective prevention and treatment of a growing range of infections.

Strategies to Minimise Antimicrobial Resistance

  • Strategies to minimise AMR include responsible use of antibiotics, avoiding unnecessary prescriptions and ensuring complete courses of treatment are taken.
  • In addition, it’s important to develop new classes of antimicrobials and promote research and development in this field.
  • Public education about responsible use of antimicrobials can play a key role in addressing this issue.
  • Surveillance systems can help monitor the emergence and spread of AMR, supporting early detection and response.

Ethical Considerations of Antimicrobial Use

  • The use of antimicrobials comes with various ethical considerations, including the fair and equitable access to these medications.
  • The promotion of antibiotic stewardship is important to ensure that antibiotics are used judiciously to preserve their effectiveness.
  • Other ethical considerations surround the use of antibiotics in animals, which can contribute to AMR, and the regulation of over-the-counter antibiotic use in some countries.
  • These considerations all impact how society manages the significant global challenge of antimicrobial resistance.