Forms of microbial resistance and strategies to minimize their occurrence in antimicrobial therapy: Review

Abstract

Microbial resistance to antimicrobial therapies has been a historic and permanent challenge to the global health. Several researches seek to identify the causes, as well ways to minimize the occurrence of this resistance. In this study, a review of scientific articles related to the theme had carried out, covering human and veterinary health, as well as discussing the difficulties about solving the problematics, pointing out the causes of resistance and some strategies to reduce these occurrences. In this context, the indiscriminate use of antibiotics in humans and animals is seen as the main cause of the emergence of these resistances and the formation of superbugs. The gene transference, the occurrence of mutations and the formation of biofilms are the ways that interfere the most with the effectiveness of antimicrobial therapy. Public awareness regarding the use of antimicrobials; Intensify research and investment in the area, in order to produce more appropriate and specific antimicrobials for a particular use; Resistance monitoring aiming to measure its worsen or control; Determination of epidemiological points, aiming at their resolution; Adoption of hygienic sanitary measures to reduce cases of infection; Decreasing the use of empirical therapy, thus reducing the use of antimicrobials inappropriately, or sometimes, unnecessary are suggestions and strategies to reduce the occurrence of these resistances. Since 2015, these strategies have been addressed in the Global Action Plan On Antimicrobial Resistance.