Key points
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a rising global threat that poses a severe threat to modern medicine.
- Drug-resistant infections claim over 1.27 million lives annually, with this number continuing to rise.
- Our Minimising Antimicrobial Resistance team is working to reduce the death rate and economic impact of AMR in Australia by 2030.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing threat to modern medicine. Over time, the effectiveness of antibiotics and other antimicrobial drugs has steadily declined, as various disease-causing microorganisms adapt and become resistant. As a result, once-routine procedures and surgeries may soon become too dangerous to perform, and deaths from currently-treatable infections will rise.
Sound like a crisis? That's because it is.
AMR is a complex and multifaceted issue. Its intricate web of causes, effects and solutions can be overwhelming to understand and communicate.
To make this subject more accessible, we're embracing the universal language of memes to break down the essentials of AMR. From illustrating the misuse of antibiotics to debunking common myths, these meme-inspired explanations aim to educate and encourage sharing. Help us spread awareness about this critical public health issue.
With their powers combined: misuse and overuse
Bacteria and other microorganisms are increasingly developing resistance to drugs designed to kill them. The main culprits contributing to this problem are the misuse and overuse of antimicrobial drugs.
AMR can occur when these drugs are used improperly, such as when antibiotics are used to treat infections they aren't effective against – like the common cold.
Germs acquire resistance, not people
Many people believe that avoiding antibiotics will make them immune to antimicrobial resistance, but that's not the case. People don't become resistant to antibiotics or other antimicrobials. It's the microorganisms, such as bacteria, that develop resistance.
These microorganisms, sometimes called 'superbugs', adapt over time due to increased exposure to antimicrobial drugs. So, even if you've never taken antibiotics or been sick, you could still contract an infection that's resistant to treatment.
Who is responsible?
You might hear that the animal industries are responsible for the misuse of antimicrobials. Or perhaps you’ve heard the human health sector is to blame.
While both sectors – and others – use antimicrobials to varying degrees, the issue isn't black and white. Multiple factors intersect and contribute to the emergence and spread of AMR. This highlights the need for a collaborative One Health approach to address AMR comprehensively. We need to work across sectors, including the environment, to address the problem.
A unexpected diversion: the impact of COVID-19
AMR is one of the top 10 global public health threats today. Significant progress was made in implementing national AMR Action Plans, especially before 2020. However, the COVID-19 pandemic diverted crucial resources and attention away from AMR.
While this shift is gradually reversing, it's far from pre-pandemic levels. This ongoing challenge underscores the difficulty in prioritising global health threats – those whose impacts may not be widely and immediately felt, but are no less dangerous.
We can't just make new antibiotics to replace our current ones
Developing new antibiotics to replace those that no longer work is not a simple solution. The process is lengthy, expensive and uncertain.
It can take over a decade to bring a new drug from discovery to market, with no guarantee of success. This highlights the urgent need to preserve the effectiveness of existing antimicrobials.
Environmental health is often overlooked
One often-overlooked aspect of antimicrobial resistance is its emergence and spread in the environment, particularly through water sources.
Unfortunately, antimicrobial contaminants from healthcare facilities, domestic sewerage, agricultural activities, and livestock run-off can all contribute to the contamination of natural waterways.
Small actions, big impact
There are some things you can do to make a difference:
- Understand that antibiotics only work against bacteria. They do not work for colds and flus, which are caused by viruses. In fact, nearly 25 per cent of all antibiotic prescriptions in Australia are for viral infections, which do not respond to antibiotics.
- Never share or use leftover antibiotics. They may not be suitable for your condition and could cause side-effects.
- Reduce use of antibacterial cleaning products. They are no more effective than soap and water.
- Prevent infections by regularly washing your hands, preparing food hygienically, avoiding close contact with sick people, and keeping vaccinations up to date.
- Share your knowledge of AMR with your friends and family to help spread awareness.
Fighting antimicrobial resistance
The complexities of microbiology, drug resistance mechanisms, and the consequences of AMR can be overwhelming.
Scientists are constantly making new discoveries in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. However, raising awareness and promoting public visibility and education remain crucial.
Minimising Antimicrobial Resistance was co-developed by CSIRO, the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
The focus is on enabling and accelerating pathways to market for new and emerging solutions to prevent, manage and respond to antimicrobial resistance in humans, animals and the environment. By doing so, we will safeguard human and animal health, secure our food and primary industries, and maintain trade and market access.