Antimicrobial Drug Resistance – A global concern

Antimicrobial drug resistance is a natural phenomena. It is exacerbated by under use and over use of antimicrobials. Microorganisms develop resistance by various mechanisms and resistant genes are incorporated to the organism and genetic transfer of resistance occurs. Infection caused by resistant microbes fails to respond to treatment and selection of resistant strains occurs. Veterinary antimicrobials also contribute to development of resistance in human. Antimicrobial drug residues after treatment of infectious diseases and with the use of antimicrobial growth promoters in animal pose greater risk of development of antimicrobial drug resistance in human beings. In order to prevent development of drug resistance proper withdrawal time for the food of animal origin should be followed. Removal selection pressure can cause reversion of resistant strains to susceptible. Indiscriminate use of antimicrobial agents should be avoided.