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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.