In 2018, the National Strategy of Action Against Antimicrobial Resistance was formed in Mexico to combat antimicrobial or antibiotic resistance or AMR, according to an article. In March, the National Strategy of Action Against Antimicrobial Resistance had announced more specific steps on how to prevent AMR such as educating the public about the dangers of AMR, implementation of preventive measures against infections, and enforcing regulations on antimicrobial products. 

When Does AMR Occur?

Based on an article from the World Health Organization's website, AMR can occur when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, germs, and parasites change when they are exposed to antimicrobial medicine. These medicines include antiviral drugs, antibiotic drugs, antihelmintic drugs, and other similar drugs that are used to treat infections. When microorganisms change into something that makes antimicrobial medicines ineffective to defeat them, they become antimicrobial resistant. It means that people who take too much antimicrobial medicine in their lifetime tend to develop AMR.

What Causes AMR?

AMR naturally occurs over time due to genetic shifts. However, the overuse and improper usage of anti-microbial medicines contribute to the speeding of the occurrence of AMR. Aside from humans, animals also experience AMR.  Based on an article from WHO, the occurrence of AMR to humans is sped up by taking in anti-microbial medicine when they have the flu or cold. For animals, their development of AMR is sped up by people giving them anti-microbial drugs even if they are healthy to prevent them from getting sick. 

Why People Need Antibiotics?

Antibiotics had helped save countless lives from deadly infections that may arise from medical procedures such as chemotherapy, organ transplant, caesarian sections, and various types of surgeries, according to an article. Furthermore, the article reveals that antibiotics work by exterminating bacteria that may infect the body and slow their replication. Antibiotics have the power to support the immune system's ability to fight off infections in the body. 

It is Costly?

AMR can be deadly to many people who get infected with a virus, bacteria, germ, or any other microorganism. For those who had developed AMR, treatment for infections can be a difficult task. 

According to WHO, aside from the health disadvantages of microorganisms changing and becoming resistant to antimicrobial drugs, AMR also makes treatment for infection costly and longer for many people. It means that those who experience AMR will need to stay longer in hospitals and need more expensive medicines for treatment.

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Dangers of Spreading AMR Bacteria

Based on the article, anti-microbial resistant bacteria can be deadly when caught by other people and animals. It means that there is a possibility to infect other people an AMR bacteria that is difficult to treat. It means a higher risk from the illness and additional costs for those who get the infection. 

According to the article, this normally occurs because people are using antibiotics to cure common infections. It means that people should refrain from misusing antibiotics to effectively prevent the fast occurrence of AMR.