Antibiotics and antibiotic resistance

-Automatic translation

Alexander Fleming's discovery of the antibiotic penicillin in 1928 is one of the most outstanding achievements of medical science. Antibiotics have prevented millions of deaths and other severe consequences of infectious diseases. The discovery and production of different types of antibiotics in the first half of the twentieth century gave hope that many of the world's most dangerous diseases could be cured and even eradicated.

However, it was only a short time after the invention of antibiotics that strains of resistant bacteria appeared. Now, some types of bacteria are resistant to almost all antibiotics. In recent years, antibiotic resistance has increased worldwide, making the treatment of various infections difficult and expensive.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and other international organisations have declared that antibiotic resistance is one of humanity's most significant health threats. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) estimates that over 35 thousand Europeans die annually from infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Increased travel and trade between countries make it easier for resistant bacteria to spread. Thus, antibiotic resistance is a global problem.

Proactive measures against the unreasonable use of antibiotics are a prerequisite to having reliable information on the usage of antibiotics and the development of resistance to them. The Chief Epidemiologist publishes annual reports on antibiotic use and antibiotic susceptibility in humans and animals in Iceland in collaboration with the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority, Landspítali University Hospital and other institutions.

Educating the public and professionals about antibiotic resistance and how to combat it is essential. Antibiotic Awareness Day is held annually to raise awareness of the importance of antibiotics and what can be done to maintain their effectiveness.