Michael Gichuru Kangeri

Antibiotic Resistance: A Growing Bacterial Threat to Global Health By Michael Kangeri Gichuru Antibiotic resistance has become one of the most significant challenges in modern medicine. It occurs when bacteria develop the ability to survive exposure to drugs that were once effective against them. This growing resistance threatens to reverse decades of medical progress, making once-treatable infections increasingly difficult to manage. One major contributor to antibiotic resistance is the misuse and overuse of antibiotics in both human medicine and agriculture. When antibiotics are taken unnecessarily or in incorrect doses, not all bacteria are destroyed. The surviving ones adapt and pass on resistant genes through mechanisms such as conjugation, transformation, and transduction. Over time, these resistant strains multiply and spread. Common resistant bacteria include Staphylococcus aureus (especially MRSA – Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus), Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These pathogens are often responsible for hospital-acquired infections that are difficult and costly to treat. In developing regions, poor infection control practices and limited access to diagnostic facilities further worsen the problem. Combating antibiotic resistance requires a multifaceted approach. This includes rational antibiotic prescription, improved hygiene, vaccination, surveillance of resistance patterns, and global awareness campaigns. Scientists are also exploring alternative therapies, such as bacteriophage treatment and the development of novel antimicrobial agents, to stay ahead of evolving bacterial threats. In conclusion, antibiotic resistance is not just a scientific issue but a public health crisis. It demands coordinated action among health professionals, researchers, and communities to ensure antibiotics remain effective for future generations.