Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India?

Q. Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India?

1. Genetic predisposition of some people
2. Taking incorrect doses of antibiotics to cure diseases
3. Using antibiotics in livestock farming
4. Multiple chronic diseases in some people

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. 1 and 2
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1, 3 and 4
4. 2, 3 and 4

Answer: 2 and 3 only

Some bacteria are resistant to many different antibiotics; they are multidrug-resistant. Multidrug-resistant bacteria can be difficult to treat and facilitates spread of antibiotic resistance.

Large amounts of antibiotics used for human therapy, as well as for farm animals and even for fish in aquaculture, resulted in the selection of pathogenic bacteria resistant to multiple drugs.

To limit the development of antimicrobial resistance, it has been suggested to:

• Use the appropriate antimicrobial for an infection; e.g. no antibiotics for viral infections
• Identify the causative organism whenever possible
• Select an antimicrobial which targets the specific organism, rather than relying on a broad-spectrum antimicrobial
• Complete an appropriate duration of antimicrobial treatment (not too short and not too long)
• Use the correct dose for eradication; subtherapeutic dosing is associated with resistance, as demonstrated in food animals.
• More thorough education of and by prescribers on their actions' implications globally.