Antibiotic resistance as a global threat to medicine and public health in the 21st century
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63688/s18n7d41Keywords:
antibiotic resistance, antimicrobial resistance, public health, healthAbstract
Antibiotic resistance is one of the main threats to modern medicine and public health, as it reduces the effectiveness of antimicrobial treatments and makes bacterial infections more difficult to control. This study aimed to analyze the scientific evidence related to antibiotic resistance, identifying the main factors that contribute to its emergence, its health impact, and the strategies needed to reduce its spread. A systematic review of the scientific literature was conducted using a qualitative, descriptive, and analytical approach, following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The search was carried out in databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, Wiley Online Library, SciELO, and Google Scholar. After the identification, screening, and eligibility process, 18 scientific studies were included. The findings show that antimicrobial resistance is a multifactorial phenomenon associated with inappropriate antibiotic use, self-medication, prescription without timely diagnosis, antimicrobial use in animals, and environmental contamination. It is concluded that addressing this threat requires strengthening epidemiological surveillance, timely diagnosis, antimicrobial stewardship programs, and the One Health approach.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Jorge David Robalino Pailiacho, Wilmer Javier Vargas Allauca, Byron Alexander Chafla Quishpi, Joselyn Alejandra Zurita Cartajena, Jhosselyn Katerine Maigualema Lema (Autor/a)
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