The Effect of Strict Infection Control Strategies on the Rate of Antibiotic Resistance Bacteria

Abstract

Introduction: Because interhospital variation in susceptibility patterns may be substantial, hospitals should be cautious when extrapolating infection control data or data from other hospitals to their particular institution. Hence, this review aims to highlight the effect of strict infection control strategies on the rate of antibiotic resistance bacteria.
Methods: Articles were identified by searching MEDLINE and Current Contents. The search was limited to English-language articles published till 2022. We used the search terms resistance, antibiotics, nosocomial, infection, and intensive care. Eligible articles presented at these meetings were included if they were available for review and had been accepted for publication in a peer-reviewed medical journal.
Results: The threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is growing at an alarming rate and the situation is perhaps aggravated in developing countries due to gross abuse in the use of antimicrobials. It is well known that any use of antimicrobials however appropriate and justified, contributes to the development of resistance, but widespread unnecessary and excessive use makes the situation worse. Misuse of antimicrobials is facilitated in developing countries by their availability over the counter, without prescription, and through unregulated supply chains. Non-compliance with the use of antimicrobials has many repercussions upon resistance and poverty is a major root factor of antimicrobial misuse in developing countries.

Conclusions: Self-medication is a common practice in developing countries where patients often get antimicrobials without prescription and through unregulated supply chains These actions result in the exposure of surviving pathogens to sub-therapeutic concentrations of antimicrobials thus increasing the chances of acquiring resistance.