The role of students in the fight against antimicrobial resistance

 

It is worthy to note that with advancement in Science and Technology, there have also been development and discovery of microorganisms. The discovery of Antimicrobials is dated to 1928, when Alexander Fleming accidentally found a naturally produced antimicrobial, penicillin from mould culture. This discovery set the stage for other scientists like Paul Ehrlich, Josef Klarer, Fritz Mietzsch, Gerhard Domagk and all others who made later discoveries in Microbiology. Antimicrobial is a general term that refers to a group of drugs that includes antibiotics, antifungals , antiprotozoals and antivirals. These antimicrobials are chemotherapeutic, in that, it exhibits toxicity to pathogenic (and at times non-pathogenic) organisms, thus leading to its elimination from the host body. The mechanisms of action include inhibition of cell wall synthesis, protein synthesis, cell membrane synthesis, nucleic acid synthesis and blockage of pathogen metabolic pathway. 

The benefits of antimicrobials cannot be over emphasized. However, the advent of antimicrobials have posed a threat in the form of antimicrobial resistance, Alexander Fleming, while receiving his Nobel Prize, warned against the development of resistance to antimicrobials in the coming years. Antimicrobial resistance is the result of microorganisms changing in ways that reduce or eliminate the effectiveness of drugs, chemicals, or other agents to cure or prevent infections. The effects of antimicrobial resistance have been catastrophic as an estimated 700,000 deaths occurs globally each year. The development of antimicrobial resistance is promoted by the overuse and misuse of antimicrobials; lack of access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene for both humans and animals; poor infection ,disease prevention and control in health-care facilities and farms, poor access to quality, affordable medicines, vaccines and diagnostics; lack of awareness and knowledge; poor enforcement and legislature. Antimicrobial resistance have disastrous consequences on both man and animals. First of all, there is increase in morbidity and mortality. Official reports have estimated that about 10 million people will die across the world by 2050 if effective measures against antimicrobial resistance are not taken. There is also the issue of increased healthcare costs associated with the treatment of resistant microbes. It also has negative impact on a Nation’s economy.

Antimicrobial resistance is an issue of Global importance and cannot be pushed to a corner. It is a fight that must be faced with all diligence. It is not just an issue that can be solved by the Medical Practitioners alone. Students have important roles to play in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. Firstly, it is said that charity begins at home; hence it is imperative for every student to fully understand the effects of antimicrobial resistance and preventive measures to curb its development. This can be done by organisation of seminars, campaigns, and distribution of literature on antimicrobial resistance. Knowledge of antimicrobial resistance empowers students to fight against this cankerworm eating deep into National and Global healthcare.

Secondly, students must practice personal hygiene at schools, homes, farms, and wherever they are. Installation of hand washing facilities is highly encouraged in public places. The use of hand sanitizers in the absence of hand washing facilities should also be encouraged.

Also, essays and quizzes on antimicrobials and its resistance should be organized as frequently as possible to encourage students to develop their writing culture. This leads to development of curiosity and inquisitiveness which is an important tool for research and development in the near future.

In conclusion, the fight against antimicrobial resistance is a collective one. It is essential for the younger generation to understand its importance and thus be stimulated to play their roles in this fight.

REFERENCES

Centre for Disease Control. (2019, September 15). Antibiotic resistance: a global threat.    http://www.cdc.gov/features/antibiotic-resistance-global/index.html.

Wainwright, M. (1989). Moulds in ancient and more recent medicine. Mycologist 3 no 1(.21- 23). https://www.academia.edu

Verma, S., Singh, S. P. (2008). Current and future status of herbal medicines. Veterinary world 1(11), 347-350. http://courses.lumenlearning.com

Baltz, M. (2007). Antimicrobials from actinomycetes: Back to the future. Microbe 2(3), 121- 131. http://www.researchgate.net

Mellon, M., Benbrook, C., Benbrook K., L. (2001). Hogging it: Estimates of antimicrobial abuse in livestock. Union of concerned scientists. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6929930/

 Medical terminology dictionary (free). Version 3.4.5. https://play.google.com/store/apps/developer