The problem of antimicrobial resistance

Introduction

Welcome to The problem of antimicrobial resistance, an introductory module aimed at all learners. Many basic concepts are introduced in this module and will be discussed in more detail in other modules.

The problem of antimicrobial resistance will take you back in time to gain insight into our understanding of prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. You will learn about hygiene theory, germ theory and the discovery of antibiotics. You will gain an understanding of the importance of antibiotics in modern medicine and other aspects of modern life. Unfortunately, the antibiotics that we have today are becoming less effective in the treatment of infections due to antimicrobial resistance. This is a very big threat to global health. You will learn how resistance develops in bacteria and what the drivers are. In the final section you will learn about ongoing global efforts to tackle the problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and finally reflect on what you can do to bring about change.

By the end of this module, you should be able to:

• define the term ‘antibiotic’ and describe the importance of antibiotics in modern society
• explain how the overuse and misuse of antibiotics contribute to bacterial resistance
• describe the scale and nature of antibiotic resistance worldwide, and discuss the consequences of a future without antibiotics
• explain why the problem of AMR needs a One Health approach
• reflect on your own role and those of your colleagues in tackling the AMR crisis.