Study warns: Antibiotics overuse a serious global health threat

There is a significant spike in the global consumption of antibiotics and researchers find it alarming.

According to a new study, global antibiotics consumption between 2000 and 2015 rose by 65 percent.

This increased use of antibiotics is said to be strengthening the evolution of drug-resistant superbugs.

Superbug is a strain of bacteria that has become resistant to antibiotic drugs. Overuse of antibiotics helps superbugs evolve.

A bacteria that is not eliminated despite exposure to antibiotics has the potential to develop resistance.

Essentially, the higher the use of antibiotics, the increased likelihood of growth of bacteria that are resistant to them.

The alarm-raising study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), says the situation may “get worse”.

“With antibiotic consumption increasing worldwide, the challenge posed by antibiotic resistance is likely to get worse,” said the authors of the study.

“Antibiotic resistance, driven by antibiotic consumption, is a growing global health threat.

“As with climate change, there may be an unknown tipping point, and this could herald a future without effective antibiotics.”

The authors advised that antibiotics consumption should be reduced and also warned against the use of antibiotics for infections that could be better addressed with preventive measures.

They called for major investments in improved hygiene, sanitation, vaccination, and access to diagnostic tools, particularly in the developing world.