Mechanisms of Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotic therapy is one of the main approaches of modern medicine which is used to combat infections. The “golden era” of antibiotics ranged from 1930s to 1960s which gave rise to many antibiotics. Unfortunately, this era ended because researchers were unable to maintain the pace of antibiotic discovery in the face of emerging resistant pathogens. Persistent failure to develop new antibiotics and nonjudicious use of antibiotics are the predisposing factors associated with the emergence of antibiotic resistance. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious global threat of growing concern to human, animal, and environment health. This is due to the emergence, spread, and persistence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria or the “superbugs.” This review discusses the mechanisms underlying in the development of antibiotic resistance and the common organisms.

Keywords: Antibiotics, Resistance