Preventing Antibiotic Resistance

Every time an antibiotic is used, it selects for resistant bacteria. Resistance cannot be stopped completely, but it can be slowed by reducing the use of antibiotics and preventing the spread of infection, so that fewer bacteria are exposed to the selection pressure.Responsible prescribing by doctors1. Do not prescribe antibiotics for viral infections, such as colds and flu, or for minor bacterial infections the body can clear itself.2. Where possible, identify the bacterium and use a narrow-spectrum antibiotic that targets it, rather than a broad-spectrum one that kills many types of bacteria.3. Vary (rotate) the antibiotics used, so bacteria are not exposed to the same one for long periods.Patients should take antibiotics exactly as prescribed, never share them or save them for later, and not pressure doctors to prescribe them.Hospital codes of practice reduce the spread of hospital-acquired infections such as MRSA and C. difficile:1. Staff and visitors wash their hands, or use alcohol gel, between patients.2. Patients are screened on admission, and infected patients are isolated.3. Staff wear disposable gloves and aprons, and do not wear ties, long sleeves or jewellery (the bare below the elbows policy).4. Wards and equipment are cleaned thoroughly.Agriculture: the routine use of antibiotics to keep healthy farm animals free of disease or to promote growth increases resistance, so their use as growth promoters is banned in the EU and UK and routine preventive use is restricted. Antibiotics should mainly be used to treat sick animals.