Antibiotic resistance is a natural occurrence caused by mutations in bacteria’s genes. However, inappropriate use of antibiotics accelerates the emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. When exposed to antibiotics, susceptible bacteria are killed; while excessive antibiotic use or th...eir use for the wrong reasons can cause bacteria to become resistant and continue to grow and multiply. These resistant bacteria may spread and cause infections in other people.
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Antibiotic resistant bacteria are spreading at an alarming rate and some bacterial infections may once again be untreatable. Antibiotic resistance (ABR), conservatively calculated, causes more than 500 000 deaths every year. This number is projected to rise dramatically if radical actions are not ta...ken. Lack of effective antibiotics, diagnostics and vaccines threatens the health of millions and hampers fulfilment of several of the Sustainable Devel- opment Goals. Access to effective antibiotics should be part of every adult and child’s right to health.
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Brochure for Patients and General Public
The ability of bacteria to resist the action of an antibiotic has become a recognised global problem. Antibiotic resistance severely limits the number of antibiotics available for the treatment of diseases.
This infographic from APIC helps patients and families better understand their role in preventing infections and includes a list of questions to ask their healthcare provider about antibiotics.
Infographic for General Public
Antibiotic resistance concerns us all – everyone can take action to address this pressing issue. There are many ways to contribute in the work to limit antibiotic resistance development and spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria. See overview below for inspiration and flip the page for more detai...ls.
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Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria no longer respond to the drugs designed to kill them. Anytime antibiotics are used, they can cause antibiotic resistance.
Antibiotics are only needed for treating certain infections caused by bacteria. Viral illnesses cannot be treated with antibiotics. When an antibiotic is not prescribed, ask your healthcare professional for tips on how to relieve symptoms and feel better.
Resistance happens when germs (bacteria and fungi) defeat the drugs designed to kill them. Any antibiotic use—in people, animals, or crops—can lead to resistance. Resistant germs are a One Health problem—they can spread between people, animals, and the environment.
Q & A Guide for Parents - Factsheet
Antibiotics only fight infections caused by bacteria. Like all drugs, they can be harmful and should only be used when necessary. Taking antibiotics when you have a virus can do more harm than good: you will still feel sick and the antibiotic could give you a skin rash, diarrhea, a yeast infection, ...or worse.
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A patient leaflet for primary care prescribers to hand out to patients: it explains to patients what antibiotic resistance is and why appropriate use of antibiotics is important.
Do I really need antibiotics? - Fact Sheet for Patients
Your healthcare team has decided you or your loved one has an infection that requires antibiotics, or needs antibiotics to prevent an infection in certain circumstances, such as before surgery - Fact Sheet for Patients
Educational materials (slide presentations) from FAO covering important biosecurity aspects in poultry farms
BMJ Global Health, Vol. 4 (2019) no.2
Antibiotic resistance is threatening global health, development and food security; however, measures for assessing and communicating the threat of resistance are lacking. The Drug Resistance Index (DRI) allows for global assessment of the relative efficacy of ...countries’ antibiotic therapy.
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5 Ways Hospital Pharmacists Can Be Antibiotics Aware - Poster
Dentists are uniquely positioned to play a role in pre enting the spread of antibiotic resistance. Here are se en simple “how-tos” for safe, appropriate antibiotic prescribing and use when treating dental infections