How does reducing unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions impact microbial resistance?

Reducing unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions significantly decreases the selective pressure that drives the development of antimicrobial resistance. When antibiotics are prescribed when not needed, or when the prescribed antibiotic is ineffective against the infecting pathogen, the exposure of pathogens to these drugs increases. This creates an environment where resistant bacteria can survive and proliferate, leading to an overall increase in resistance.

By scaling back on unnecessary antibiotic use, fewer bacteria are exposed to antibiotics, thus reducing the likelihood that resistant strains will develop and spread. This is crucial because antimicrobial resistance can lead to treatment failures, prolonged illness, and increased healthcare costs.

Other options suggest either an increase in antibiotic use or no effect on resistance development, which contradicts the established understanding of how antibiotic use relates to resistance. Some may imply a focus solely on viral infections, which is not relevant to the broader discussion of antibiotic resistance, as antibiotics are not effective against viruses and should not be used in those instances. Therefore, reducing unnecessary prescriptions is a fundamental strategy in combating the rise of antimicrobial resistance.