Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance: Current Approaches

Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance: Current Approaches. Journal of Immunology and Immunopathology 21(1): 1-9.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global problem and several factors are involved in the development and spread of AMR. Antibiotics once considered as magic weapon is slowly trailing its charm due to increase in infections associated with drug-resistant pathogens. The increasing AMR is threatening since only a limited number of new antimicrobial agents that are available and in development. In 2011, WHO declared ‘combat drug resistance: no action today, no cure tomorrow’. Presently, AMR poses a major threat to treatment as it leads to higher morbidity, mortality and economic loss. Improving antimicrobial use is a key action in efforts to contain resistance. Antibiotic resistance is a heavy and growing burden on all countries and requires action at many levels. If no action is taken against AMR, it will be leading to devastating problem. Containing and controlling AMR demands coordinated action across diverse sectors and disciplines, with a broad range of stakeholders. For reducing AMR, a holistic approach with surveillance, monitoring, education and regulating consumption and use of antimicrobials in human, animal health and agriculture production is requested. A vigorous surveillance network and proper strategy for containment of AMR is essential to monitor and reduce the spread of resistance patterns in pathogens. This review discusses current approaches for tackling of AMR.