Perspective - (2023) Volume 10, Issue 4
Received: Aug 25, 2023, Manuscript No. JEBMH-23-116954; Editor assigned: Aug 28, 2023, Pre QC No. JEBMH-23-116954 (PQ); Reviewed: Sep 14, 2023, QC No. JEBMH-23-116954; Revised: Sep 22, 2023, Manuscript No. JEBMH-23-116954 (R); Published: Sep 29, 2023, DOI: 10.18410/jebmh/2023/10/03/73
Citation: Ge Y. Infectious Diseases and Antimicrobial Stewardship in Pharmacy . J Evid Based Med Healthc 2023;10(03):1-1.
Infectious diseases have been a persistent threat to human health throughout history. The discovery of antibiotics in the 20 century was hailed as a medical miracle, offering effective treatment against bacterial infections that were once life-threatening. However, the success of antibiotics has been threatened by the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, a global health crisis that demands urgent attention. Pharmacists play a critical role in the fight against infectious diseases and are at the forefront of antimicrobial stewardship programs to ensure the responsible use of these life-saving drugs.
Antimicrobial agents, which include antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitic drugs, are essential tools in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. They work by either killing or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms that cause infections. Without effective antimicrobial agents, even minor infections could become deadly, and routine medical procedures, such as surgeries or cancer treatments, would carry a much higher risk of infection.
However, the widespread and often indiscriminate use of antimicrobials has led to a concerning rise in antimicrobial resistance. Antimicrobial resistance occurs when microorganisms, such as bacteria, adapt to the drugs designed to kill them. This adaptation renders these drugs ineffective, and infections become more challenging to treat. Infections that were once easily curable can now become life-threatening, and medical advancements could be compromised.
Pharmacists are crucial members of the healthcare team in addressing infectious diseases and antimicrobial stewardship. Their expertise in medication management, dosage regimens, and potential drug interactions is invaluable in ensuring that antimicrobial agents are used responsibly and effectively. Here's how pharmacists contribute to antimicrobial stewardship:
When healthcare providers prescribe antibiotics, pharmacists help ensure the choice of the right drug. They consider factors such as the type of infection, the susceptibility of the causative microorganism, and the patient's medical history. Antimicrobial resistance is a global public health threat. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics have accelerated the development of resistant strains of bacteria. These superbugs are not only more challenging to treat, but they can also spread within communities and healthcare settings.
Infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria can lead to longer hospital stays, increased mortality rates, and higher healthcare costs. Additionally, routine medical procedures, such as surgeries or cancer treatments, become riskier when antibiotics are less effective. There's a growing concern that we could return to a pre-antibiotic era, where even minor infections become life-threatening.
Pharmacists, as medication experts, are well-positioned to be leaders in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. They can advocate for responsible antibiotic use, educate patients, and work closely with healthcare providers to ensure that these essential drugs remain effective for generations to come.
In conclusion, infectious diseases and antimicrobial stewardship are pivotal aspects of pharmacy practice. The responsible use of antimicrobial agents is crucial in the face of rising antimicrobial resistance. Pharmacists, as medication experts, play an indispensable role in optimizing the use of antibiotics and educating patients and healthcare providers about the importance of responsible antibiotic use. The global threat of antimicrobial resistance necessitates a collaborative effort among healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the pharmaceutical industry to develop sustainable solutions and preserve the effectiveness of these life-saving drugs.
