Аntibiotic resistance, irrational antibiotic use and associated risks

Bulgarian Medical Journal, 2023, 17(3), 7-11.

N. Miteva, Z. Mitkova, M. Dimitrova

Department of Organization and Economics of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University – Sofia

Abstract. The irrational use of medicines leads to a waste of resources and therefore creates a public health risk. In 2015, WHO called an action on all countries to develop national action plans ensuring continuity in the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases with eff ective and safe medicines. Later, in 2017, WHO developed the so-called AWaRe (Asses, Watch, Reserve) classifi cation for antibiotic use as a tool to support policies at national level. In 2019 antimicrobial resistance was identifi ed as one of the top ten threats to global health. Diff erences in legislation, economic status, and population health culture can signifi cantly infl uence this process. The widespread use of antibiotics leads to unintended consequences and rising antimicrobial resistance, which is a prerequisite for limited options to respond to serious infections, surgical manipulations and immunocompromised patients.

Key words: irrational use, rational, resistance, risks, antibiotics

Address for correspondence: Maria Dimitrova, е-mail: mdimitrova@pharmfac.mu-sofia.bg