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Review Article
17.
Antimicrobial drug resistance – A global concern -
P. T. A. Usha, Sabitha Jose and A. R. Nisha
Vet World. 2010; 3(3): 138-139
Abstract
Antimicrobial drug resistance is a natural
phenomena. It is exacerbated by under use and over
use of antimicrobials. Microorganisms develop
resistance by various mechanisms and resistant genes
are incorporated to the organism and genetic
transfer of resistance occurs. Infection caused by
resistant microbes fails to respond to treatment and
selection of resistant strains occurs. Veterinary
antimicrobials also contribute to development of
resistance in human. Antimicrobial drug residues
after treatment of infectious diseases and with the
use of antimicrobial growth promoters in animal pose
greater risk of development of antimicrobial drug
resistance in human beings. In order to prevent
development of drug resistance proper withdrawal
time for the food of animal origin should be
followed. Removal selection pressure can cause
reversion of resistant strains to susceptible.
Indiscriminate use of antimicrobial agents should be
avoided.
Key words: Antimicrobial, resistance,
microorganism, drug residues, Growth promoters.