Antimicrobial Resistance: A Silent Threat to Human Health

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health crisis, posing a serious threat to human health. This occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites develop resistance to antimicrobial drugs, making infections difficult to treat and increasing the risk of outbreaks. Understanding the drivers of AMR and implementing strategies to combat it is crucial for protecting public health.

Overuse and Misuse of Antibiotics

Professor Wiku Adisasmito, an epidemiologist, explains that the overuse and misuse of antibiotics are major contributors to AMR. Excessive antibiotic use, improper consumption, or prematurely stopping treatment can lead to resistance.

Food Consumption and Antimicrobial Resistance

Food consumption also plays a role in the emergence of resistance. Professor Wiku highlights that antibiotic residues in animal products can contribute to resistance in humans, though this is less common. He explains that animals given antibiotics in feed or during treatment can have residual antibiotics in their bodies. These antibiotics are eliminated through feces and urine, and urine that has not reached its half-life can enter agricultural systems.

Collaboration is Key

Addressing AMR in Indonesia requires collaboration among various stakeholders, including veterinary and human doctors. Professor Wiku emphasizes that without communication, data sharing, and collaboration between these professionals, it will be difficult to effectively combat the issue. Animals consumed by humans can also be a source of resistance, making collaborative efforts essential.

Responsible Use in Agriculture

Professor Wiku underscores the importance of responsible antimicrobial use in agriculture. Some agricultural commodities are susceptible to viruses, bacteria, and parasites, and the appropriate use of antimicrobials in these commodities is crucial to prevent resistance.

How does excessive antibiotic use contribute to antimicrobial resistance?

Professor Wiku Adisasmito explains that excessive antibiotic use, improper consumption, or stopping treatment prematurely can lead to resistance.

How does food consumption contribute to antimicrobial resistance?

Antibiotic residues in animal products can contribute to resistance in humans, though this is relatively less common. This occurs because animals are given feed containing antibiotics, or they are undergoing antibiotic treatment, which can leave antibiotic residues in their bodies.

What are the potential consequences of AMR for human health?

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a serious threat to human health worldwide, as it makes infections difficult to treat and increases the risk of disease outbreaks.

What are the key stakeholders involved in combating AMR in Indonesia?

Addressing AMR in Indonesia requires collaboration among various stakeholders, including veterinary and human doctors, as animals consumed by humans can also be a source of resistance.

What measures should be taken to prevent AMR in agriculture?

Professor Wiku underscores the importance of responsible antimicrobial use in agriculture. Some agricultural commodities are sensitive to viruses, bacteria, and parasites that may differ from those found in humans, so the appropriate use of antimicrobials in these commodities is crucial to prevent resistance.

What is the role of collaboration in addressing the threat of AMR?

Strong collaboration between healthcare professionals, governments, and the public is essential to address the challenge of antimicrobial resistance.

Combating the Threat

To combat the threat of AMR, it's vital for individuals to understand its causes and impact. Responsible use of antibiotics, awareness of food consumption, and collaborative efforts between healthcare professionals, governments, and the public are essential steps toward addressing this global challenge.