1 Antibiotic resistance is a serious threat to human health

1. Antibiotic resistance is a serious threat to human health. What role do beta-lactamases have in increasing bacterial resistance to drugs such as penicillin? In the future, do you feel we will be able to “solve” the antibiotic resistance problem?

Solution

Some organisms develop resistance by breaking the beta-lactam ring of penicillins by the production of beta-lactamase enzyme. It is the most common mechanism of development of resistance to penicillins. Drugs that are resistant to beta-lactamase enzyme can be effectively used against a wide range of infections.

MRSA (Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus), VRSA (vancomycin resistant Staphylococcus aureus) & VRE (vancomycin resistant eneterococci) bacteria pose an increased patient threat and recall three newer drugs for treating them because they are resistant to the available antibiotics. Diseases caused by these resistant strains cannot be controlled with the present available drugs (or combination therapy may be helpful sometimes), so newer drugs are needed.

The common causes of microbial resistance are irregular or inappropriate usage. The following measures can be taken to prevent the antibiotic resistance.

1). Following the exact prescription suggested by the physician.

2). Avoiding the usage of antibiotics without prescription.

3). Preventing the microbial diseases by maintaining sanitation, which also includes the proper cooking and cleaning of food stuff.