Antimicrobial Resistance: Myths vs. Facts
Antibiotics are effective against all infections.
What is False?
Improper use of antimicrobials can disturb this diverse community of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms within the digestive system.
What is "the gut microbiome"?
An antibiogram provides data about the susceptibility of bacteria to this type of medication, helping guide appropriate treatment choices.
What are "antibiotics"?
This scientist is credited with the discovery of penicillin in 1928, revolutionizing the treatment of bacterial infections.
Who is Alexander Fleming?
This misconception suggests that antibiotic resistance occurs within this part of a patient, but it is actually the bacteria that evolve and resist treatment."
What is "the human body"?
Overuse or misuse of antimicrobials can kill beneficial bacteria in the gut, leading to an imbalance known as this condition.
What is "dysbiosis"?
Antibiograms are particularly useful for healthcare providers in this type of facility, where they can guide empirical antibiotic therapy and monitor resistance trends.
What is "a hospital"?
This practice, such as overprescribing antibiotics or using them for non-bacterial infections, contributes to the creation of Multi-Drug Resistant Organisms (MDROs).
What is antibiotic misuse or overuse?
Despite its critical role in treating bacterial infections, antibiotics do not cure illnesses caused by these types of pathogens, such as colds and flu."
What is "viruses"?
Klebsiella pneumoniae primarily causes infections in this system, often resulting in pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and sepsis.
What is "the respiratory system"?
Antimicrobial misuse can sometimes result in this painful infection caused by an overgrowth of Clostridioides difficile, often leading to severe diarrhea.
What is "C. difficile infection" or "Clostridioides difficile infection"?
An antibiogram is typically based on data collected from this type of sample, such as blood, urine, or tissue cultures.
What are "microbial cultures" or "patient samples"?
When bacteria acquire new genetic material that makes them resistant to antibiotics, it’s known as this process.
What is horizontal gene transfer?
Continuing a prescribed course of antibiotics is important even when symptoms subside. Stopping early can lead to this dangerous consequence.
What is "antimicrobial resistance"?
A compromised gut microbiome due to improper antimicrobial use may weaken this system, which is closely linked to gut health and protects against disease.
What is "the immune system"?
The main goal of using an antibiogram is to combat this growing global health threat by promoting appropriate antibiotic use.
What is "antimicrobial resistance (AMR)"?
These are the types of environments, often found in hospitals, where MDROs are most likely to spread due to frequent antibiotic use and patient care.
What are healthcare settings or hospitals?
To help combat AMR, staying up to date on this preventative health measure plays a role in reducing the need for antibiotics."
What is "vaccinations"?
Long-term improper use of antimicrobials can increase the risk of developing these chronic conditions, which are often influenced by changes in gut health.
What are "inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD)" or "conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)"?
Healthcare facilities often produce this specific type of antibiogram to summarize resistance patterns over a defined period, guiding treatment protocols.
What is "a cumulative antibiogram"?
This group is particularly vulnerable to MDRO infections due to their weakened immune systems, especially in intensive care settings.
What are critically ill patients or transplant recipients