Structure:

Introduction: (up to 30 words) Briefly explain what Antibiotics are

Body: (up to 100 words) Explain about Antibiotic resistance and Superbugs. Then proceed to give the reasons for the same. Mention reasons as to why it is important to prevent them.

Conclusion: (up to 30 words) Give reasons on how it can be prevented and controlled

Supporting Points:

Antibiotic resistance is the ability of bacteria to withstand the antimicrobial power of antibiotics where they develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them. In other words, an antibiotic that previously cured an infection does not work as well anymore, or may not work at all, to kill the bacteria and therefore they continue to grow.

Antibiotic resistance does not mean the body is becoming resistant to antibiotics; it is that bacteria have become resistant to the antibiotics designed to kill them.

Superbugs are strains of bacteria, parasites and fungi that are resistant to most of the antibiotics and other medications commonly used to treat the infections they cause. A few examples of superbugs include resistant bacteria that can cause pneumonia, urinary tract infections and skin infections. Drug resistance (antimicrobial resistance) is a naturally occurring phenomenon that can be slowed, but not stopped. Over time, germs such as bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi adapt to the drugs that are designed to kill them and change to ensure their survival. This makes previously standard treatments for some infections less effective, and sometimes ineffective.

Bacteria fights back against a drug in many ways:

1. By strengthening their own cell walls
2. By producing enzymes that can inactivate the antibiotic

• By helping out their fellow bacteria who are less able to "fight off" the antibiotic.

The resistant bacteria that survive are able to multiply, spread and cause further infections in the individual, family, community, or health care setting. In turn, these infections are more resistant to another round of the same or similar antibiotic.

However, the rate at which pathogens are developing resistance is higher than the natural rate due to overuse, misuse and underuse of antibiotics by ignorant people. The main reason for pathogens to develop resistance against drugs at such an alarming rate is due to indiscriminate use of antibiotics.

This has led to serious concerns because:

1. Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats to global health, food security, and development today.
2. Antibiotic resistance can affect anyone, of any age, in any country.
3. Antibiotic resistance occurs naturally, but misuse of antibiotics in humans and animals is accelerating the process.
4. A growing number of infections – such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, gonorrhoea, and salmonellosis – are becoming harder to treat as the antibiotics used to treat them become less effective.
5. Antibiotic resistance leads to longer hospital stays, higher medical costs and increased mortality.

Therefore it is very important to prevent and control this. Since, Antibiotic resistance is accelerated by the misuse and overuse of antibiotics, as well as poor infection prevention and control, steps can be taken at all levels of society to reduce the impact and limit the spread of resistance:

1. Only use antibiotics when prescribed by a certified health professional.
2. Never demand antibiotics if the health worker says you don’t need them.
3. Always follow the Doctor’s advice when using antibiotics.
4. Never share or use leftover antibiotics.
5. Prevent infections by regularly washing hands, preparing food hygienically, avoiding close contact with sick people, practising safer sex, and keeping vaccinations up to date.
6. Prepare food hygienically.
7. Ensure a robust national action plan to tackle antibiotic resistance is in place.
8. Improve surveillance of antibiotic-resistant infections.
9. Strengthen policies, programmes, and implementation of infection prevention and control measures.
10. Regulate and promote the appropriate use and disposal of quality medicines.
11. Make information available on the impact of antibiotic resistance.