<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) refers to the ability of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, to withstand the effects of antimicrobial drugs, including antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics. This phenomenon occurs when microbes evolve mechanisms to neutralize the drugs intended to kill them, rendering the medications ineffective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
AMR poses a significant threat to public health worldwide, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. The emergence and spread of resistant pathogens complicate the treatment of infectious diseases, rendering previously effective drugs ineffective. This can result in prolonged illness, treatment failures, and the need for more expensive and toxic medications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Key factors contributing to the rise of antimicrobial resistance include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Overuse and Misuse of Antimicrobials<\/strong>: Excessive and inappropriate use of antimicrobial drugs in human health, animal agriculture, and agriculture contribute to the selection pressure driving the development of resistance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Poor Infection Prevention and Control Practices<\/strong>: Inadequate hygiene, sanitation, and infection control measures in healthcare settings facilitate the spread of resistant pathogens among patients, healthcare workers, and the community.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Globalization and Travel<\/strong>: Increased international travel and trade facilitate the rapid spread of resistant microbes across borders, making AMR a global health security concern.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lack of New Antimicrobial Development<\/strong>: The pipeline for new antimicrobial drugs is limited, with few new antibiotics being developed and approved for clinical use. This exacerbates the problem of AMR, as existing drugs become less effective against resistant pathogens.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Implementing effective measures within hospitals is essential to minimize the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various measures that hospitals can take to combat antimicrobial resistance, organized into different categories:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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