THE GLOBAL RISE OF ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE: CAUSES, CONSEQUENCES, AND STRATEGIC INTERVENTIONS

Аннотация

Antibiotic resistance has emerged as one of the most critical global health threats of the 21st century. This phenomenon not only compromises the efficacy of life-saving drugs but also challenges modern medical practices such as surgery, organ transplantation, and chemotherapy. The misuse and overuse of antibiotics in human medicine and agriculture, along with inadequate infection control measures, have accelerated the spread of resistant pathogens. This article reviews the biological mechanisms behind resistance, its global epidemiological trends, and the wide-ranging consequences for public health, economy, and clinical outcomes. Strategic interventions — including antimicrobial stewardship, development of novel therapeutics, surveillance systems, and international policy coordination — are analyzed as potential responses to this looming crisis.