Antimicrobial resistance: the 70-year arms race between humans and bacteria

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance started to become a human health issue in the 1940s, following the discovery of the first antibiotics. The golden age of antibiotics (the 1950s through 1970s) marked the beginning of the arms race between humans and bacteria. Antimicrobial resistance is now among the greatest threats to human health; occurring in every region of the world and with the potential to affect anyone, anywhere. We describe the main mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance, as well as how the bacteria evolve into “superbugs.” We detail the role of human activities on the emergence and spread of highly drug-resistant bacteria. Currently, data to identify the specific causes, and to establish the baseline in low-income countries, are lacking. Because of the continual increase of multidrug resistance, the situation is urgent. The chapter ends with a view to the future, with a discussion of the specific problems of low-income countries and initiatives taken.