The difference between AMR & MDR

AMR commonly refers to "Antimicrobial Resistance," which is the ability of microorganisms to resist the effects of antimicrobial agents, such as antibiotics. On the other hand, MDR stands for "Multidrug Resistance," specifically describing resistance to multiple classes of antimicrobial drugs. In essence, while AMR is a broader term encompassing resistance to any antimicrobial substance, MDR is a subset of that, indicating resistance to more than one type of antimicrobial drug.

Causes of AMR

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is primarily caused by the overuse and misuse of antimicrobial drugs, including antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals. Factors contributing to AMR include:

1. Overprescription: Inappropriate use of antibiotics, such as prescribing them for viral infections like the common cold, can lead to resistance.

2. Incomplete Treatment: Not completing a prescribed antibiotic course allows surviving bacteria to develop resistance.

3. Incorrect Dosage: Incorrect dosages or durations of antimicrobial treatments can contribute to the development of resistance.

4. Use in Agriculture: The use of antimicrobials in livestock for growth promotion or disease prevention can lead to the development of resistant strains.

5. Poor Infection Prevention and Control: Inadequate hygiene and infection prevention practices in healthcare settings can facilitate the spread of resistant microbes.

6. Globalization of Travel and Trade: Resistant microbes can spread globally through travel and trade, making containment and control more challenging.

7. Lack of New Antibiotics: There has been a decline in the development of new antibiotics, limiting treatment options and contributing to the persistence of resistant strains.

8. Self-Medication: Inappropriate use of over-the-counter antimicrobial drugs without professional guidance contributes to resistance.

Addressing AMR requires a multifaceted approach involving proper antibiotic use, improved hygiene practices, surveillance, and the development of new antimicrobial agents.

Antimicrobial Resistance

Antimicrobials – including antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics – are medicines used to prevent and treat infectious diseases in humans, animals, and plants.

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites no longer respond to antimicrobial medicines. As a result of drug resistance, antibiotics and other antimicrobial medicines become ineffective and infections become difficult or impossible to treat, increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, disability, and death.

AMR is a natural process that happens over time through genetic changes in pathogens. Its emergence and spread are accelerated by human activity, mainly the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials to treat, prevent, or control infections in humans, animals, and plants.

Reference: WHO

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