Antibiotic Overprescribing
Antibiotic overprescribing has serious consequences for both individual patients and public health: Antibiotic Resistance: Overuse and misuse of antibiotics con- tribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, render- ing once-effective drugs ineffective against infections. Treatment Failures: Inappropriate antibiotic use can lead to treatment failures and prolonged infections, increasing patient suffering and healthcare costs. Adverse Drug Reactions: Unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions can result in adverse drug reactions, impacting patient safety and well-being. Disruption of the Microbiome: Broad-spectrum antibiotics can disrupt the body's natural microbial balance, leading to op- portunistic infections and other health complications. Public Health Burden: Antibiotic-resistant infections pose a significant public health burden, requiring more extensive and costly interventions to contain outbreaks. Laboratories play a crucial role in promoting responsible antibiotic use through several key aspects: Accurate Diagnostics: Laboratories provide timely and accu- rate diagnostic information, identifying the causative agents of infections and their antibiotic susceptibilities. This information guides clinicians in prescribing targeted and effective antibiotics. Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST): Laboratories conduct AST, determining the sensitivity of bacteria to specific antibiotics. AST results help clinicians select appropriate antibiot- ics, avoiding the use of broad-spectrum drugs whenever possible. Molecular Diagnostics: Molecular techniques, such as poly- merase chain reaction (PCR) and gene sequencing, enable rapid identification of pathogens and their resistance genes, facilitating more precise treatment decisions.
A ntibiotics are one of the greatest medical breakthroughs, revo- lutionizing the treatment of bacterial infections and saving countless lives. However, the widespread use and over- prescribing of antibiotics have led to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bac- teria, posing a significant global health threat. Laboratories play a critical role in combatting antibiotic overprescribing by providing accurate and timely diag- nostic information, guiding healthcare providers in making informed treat- ment decisions. This article explains the consequences of antibiotic overprescrib- ing, the role of laboratories in promot- ing responsible antibiotic use, and the collaborative efforts needed to address this pressing healthcare crisis.
28 | Real Diagnostics Magazine
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