What can be a potential consequence of inappropriate antimicrobial prescribing?

Inappropriate antimicrobial prescribing can lead to increased microbial resistance and adverse patient outcomes due to several interconnected reasons. When antibiotics are overprescribed or used inappropriately, such as when they are given for viral infections or when the wrong antibiotics are chosen for a bacterial infection, it can create an environment where bacteria are exposed to these drugs without being effectively eradicated. This exposure can drive the development of resistance, as the surviving bacteria may adapt and become resistant to the treatment meant to eliminate them.

As resistance develops, infections become more difficult to treat, often forcing healthcare providers to use stronger, more potent, and potentially more toxic medications. This escalation can lead to longer hospital stays, higher healthcare costs, and in some cases, increased morbidity and mortality for patients. Therefore, the cycle of inappropriate prescribing leads not only to the rise of resistant strains of bacteria but also results in poorer health outcomes for patients, further compounding healthcare challenges. This phenomenon underscores the importance of antimicrobial stewardship programs that aim to promote the appropriate use of antimicrobials to preserve their efficacy and protect patient health.