Antimicrobial resistance and its possible implications in the future: a mini review

Abstract

The emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among different species of microbes, or infectious agents, has become a major public health concern worldwide. This alarming trend is due to the rapid development of new resistance mechanisms and the decreasing effectiveness of treating common infectious diseases. As a result, standard treatments often fail to elicit a proper microbial response, leading to prolonged illness, increased healthcare costs, and a higher risk of mortality. Many infectious agents, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites, have developed high levels of multidrug resistance, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality rates, and being called as "superbugs." While the development of MDR is a natural process, it is exacerbated by the inappropriate use of antimicrobial drugs, inadequate sanitary conditions, improper food handling, and subpar infection prevention and control practices. Given the importance of AMR, this paper enlists the AMR issue along with its significance, mechanism and its possible impact in the future. The creation of innovative treatments to fight these persistent infections should be made easier by a better strategy of educating the population about the drivers of AMR.