Multi-drug-resistant

Multi-drug resistance (MDR) is a condition enabling a disease-causing organism to resist distinct drugs or chemicals that are intended to inhibit its growth. This resistance can be attributed to a gene in the organism's DNA that allows it to produce an enzyme that neutralizes the drug's effect.

Overview

Multi-drug resistance is a significant concern in the treatment of diseases, particularly those caused by bacteria, parasites, and cancer cells. The development of MDR often leads to the failure of treatment, resulting in a higher mortality rate.

Causes

The primary cause of MDR is the misuse or overuse of antibiotics. When antibiotics are used excessively or inappropriately, bacteria can develop resistance to them. Other causes include poor patient compliance, substandard drugs, and the use of antibiotics in livestock feed.

Impact

The impact of MDR is significant, particularly in the field of medicine and public health. It leads to increased healthcare costs due to longer durations of illness and treatment, often with more expensive drugs. Moreover, the risk of spreading resistant organisms to others is increased.

Prevention and Control

Prevention and control of MDR involve the prudent use of antibiotics, infection control measures, surveillance of antibiotic resistance, and the development of new antibiotics.

See Also

• Antibiotic resistance
• Drug resistance
• Superbug (bacteria)

Multi-drug-resistant Resources
Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials	Wikipedia