Hidden dangers of irrational use of antibiotics on microbiome

Sub: Sci

Sec: Human health

Context:

Antibiotics are often hailed as miracle drugs, capable of curing once-deadly infections and saving countless lives but due to overuse and misuse of antibiotics in humans, animals, and agriculture there are severe and often overlooked consequences.

What are antibiotics?

Antibiotics are remarkable drugs capable of killing biological organisms in one’s body without harming the body.
These are used for everything from preventing infections during surgeries to protecting cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
India is the world’s largest consumer of antibiotics.
While antibiotics are essential for treating bacterial infections, their irrational use can wreak havoc on the microbiome.

What are microbiomes?

The human body is home to a vast, intricate community of microorganisms collectively known as the microbiome.
The gut microbiome, in particular, plays a crucial role in maintaining our health as it aids in digestion, supports the immune system, produces essential nutrients like vitamin K and certain B vitamins, and protects against pathogens.
The skin microbiome protects against harmful microorganisms and supports skin health.
The genitourinary microbiome, which includes the vaginal and urinary microbiomes, protects against infections and maintains urinary and reproductive health.

What are the consequences of irrational use of antibiotics on microbiomes?

While antibiotics are essential for treating bacterial infections, their irrational use can wreak havoc on the microbiome.
Antibiotics do not discriminate between harmful pathogens and beneficial bacteria.
When we take antibiotics, especially the broad-spectrum ones, they wipe out a large portion of the gut bacteria.
This can lead to dysbiosis which can cause more severe conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome.
Dysbiosis can impair immune function, making the body more susceptible to infections and autoimmune diseases.
Another particularly concerning aspect of antibiotic use is its impact on colonization resistance.
Antibiotic use can reduce colonization resistance, allowing harmful bacteria to take hold and proliferate, increasing the risk of infections.

What is antimicrobial resistance?

Antimicrobial resistance is the resistance acquired by any microorganism (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, etc.) against antimicrobial drugs (such as antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, antimalarials, and anthelmintics) that are used to treat infections.
Microorganisms that develop antimicrobial resistance are sometimes referred to as “superbugs”.