Scenario of Antibiotic Resistance in Developing Countries

Abstract

Antibiotic resistance is an emerging global concern. It is an increasing threat to public health sectors throughout the world. This devastating problem has drawn attention to researchers and stakeholders after a substantial economic loss for decades resulting from the ineffectiveness of antibiotics to cure infectious diseases in humans and animals. The spectrum of antibiotic resistance varies between developed and developing countries due to having variations in treatment approaches. Antibiotic therapy in the developed countries is usually rational and targeted to specific bacteria, whereas in the developing countries, most of the cases, the use of antibiotics is indiscriminate to the disease etiology. In developing countries, many people are not aware of using antimicrobials. They usually get suggestions from drug sellers and quacks who do not have the authorization to prescribe a drug. If registered doctors and veterinarians are asked to prescribe, then dose, course, and withdrawal period might be maintained adequately. Antibiotic resistance transmission mechanisms between agricultural production systems, environment, and humans in developing countries are very complex. Recent research makes a window to find out the global situation of antibiotic use and resistance pattern. The antibiotic resistance scenario in selected developing countries has been summarized in this chapter based on published literature (Table 1). This chapter describes the judicial use of antibiotics and discussed maintaining proper antibiotic dose, course, drug withdrawal period, especially on food-producing animals. The book contains a few recommendations, suggested by the national multi-sectoral surveillance committee to avoid antibiotic resistance organisms in livestock and humans in the developing countries.