How does antimicrobial resistance impact infection control efforts?

Antimicrobial resistance significantly complicates infection control efforts by making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of transmission. When pathogens develop resistance to antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents, common infections can become more severe, requiring higher doses of medication, alternative treatments, or longer durations of therapy. This resistance can lead to treatment failures, prolonged illness, and ultimately, a higher rate of complications and mortality.

Additionally, as resistant infections become more prevalent, there is a greater likelihood that these pathogens will spread within healthcare settings and the community. This transmission enhances the burden on infection prevention strategies, necessitating more intensive surveillance, additional infection control measures, and potentially leading to outbreaks that are more challenging to contain. Thus, the presence of antimicrobial resistance directly undermines the effectiveness of infection control practices, creating a cycle that can severely impact patient outcomes and public health.