Antibiotic Resistance
Cold? Flu? Take care, NOT antibiotics.
What is antibiotic resistance?
Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria change in some way that reduces or eliminates the effectiveness of drugs, chemicals, or other agents designed to cure or prevent infections. The bacteria survive and continue to multiply causing more harm. Bacteria can do this through several mechanisms.
Where are antibiotics used?
13,450,000 used for LIVESTOCK
70,000 used for CROPS
150,000 used for ANIMALS
150,000 used for AQUACULTURE
3,290,000 used for HUMANS
Facts about antibiotic resistance
-In the U.S. alone, 2 million people each year contract serious antibiotic resistant infections, and 23,000 die from them
-Antibiotics are becoming less and less effective, in part due to over-prescription and inappropriate use
-Studies indicate that 30-50% of antibiotics prescribed in hospitals are unnecessary or inappropriate
- 1 out of 5 emergency department visits are for adverse drug events involving antibiotics.