“Our Growing Resistance to Antibiotics”, a resource produced by Georgetown University, discusses the challenge and risks of the antibiotic overuse, how to empower patients to ask questions about prescriptions, and the importance of preventing resistance to ensure that antibiotics remain effective. A valuable resource for anyone from the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) community.

The dangers of antibiotic-resistant bacteria are growing. As the CDC notes, "Without urgent action, many modern medicines could become obsolete, turning even common infections into deadly threats."

Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria evolve to create resistant strains, either through genetic mutation or by bacteria achieving resistance from another type of bacteria, according to the Alliance for the Prudent Use of Antibiotics. The result is an antibiotic's "inability to effectively control or kill bacterial growth," according to the group. Although bacterial adaptation and evolution is common, the growing number of antibiotic-resistant bacteria strains is caused by the systematic overuse of antibiotic drugs.

This phenomenon isn't unique to the United States. It's happening around the world.

At a Georgetown University Medical Center event, "Antibiotic Resistance: A Global Health Concern," experts discussed the challenges and risks of antibiotic overuse, how to empower patients to ask questions about prescriptions, and the importance of preventing resistance to ensure that antibiotics remain effective. In this piece, they discuss sources of exposure, trends in resistance, and what primary care providers can do to support proper and effective antibiotic use.

View the text-only version of the infographic.