Perspectives on systematic generation of antibiotic resistance with special emphasis on modern antibiotics

Antibiotics, considered a “wonder medication” in the 20th century, have been exploited to such an extent that bacteria have developed resistance against them giving rise to highly resistant superbugs, which are able to survive in the presence of a medicine that is designed to stop them from growing. The study elucidates the classification and molecular mechanisms of resistance methods employed by bacteria against different generations of antibiotics with their classes, examples and resistant strains. The overuse, misuse and underuse of several antibiotic classes and their improper disposal/treatment in various industries including agriculture, poultry, veterinary and healthcare has led to the generation of antibiotic resistance in many species of bacteria at a higher rate. The causes, drivers, consequences, and the environmental impact of antibiotic resistance also addressed. This is a major global concern amid the recent rise in infectious diseases caused by antibiotic resistant bacterial pathogens and calls for effective, newer generations of antibiotics and better alternative treatments. If we fail to combat antibiotic resistance, death tolls due to small infections would rise which would further lead to social, economic, environmental and medical losses. This paper highlights the pressing need to curb the overuse of antibiotics to prevent antibiotic resistance, advocates for regulation, awareness programs about AMR and the barriers to further discovery.