Clinical and Epidemiological Aspects of Antimicrobial Resistance

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when microbes develop mechanisms to protect themselves from the effects of antimicrobials. It appears in bacteria as a result of protein upregulation, which enables a subpopulation of resistant bacteria to multiply through the process of natural selection. A few of the major causes of AMR are lack of sanitation, accessibility to clean water and hygiene, and a lack of access to quality and reasonably priced vaccines, medications and diagnostics. A few other factors which can result in AMR are lack of legislative enforcement, overuse and misuse of antimicrobials, inadequate disease and infection prevention in health-care facilities, as well as a lack of knowledge and awareness. Treatment of bacterial infections has become more challenging due to rising AMR and multiple resistances. It can be prevented by limiting the duration of antibiotic treatment and usage of antibiotics. This book elucidates the concepts and innovative models around prospective developments with respect to antimicrobial resistance. It contains a detailed explanation of the various clinical and epidemiological aspects of antimicrobial resistance. This book is appropriate for students seeking detailed information in this area of study as well as for experts.