Every year, World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) aims to shed light on the growing global health challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). From November 18-24, 2024, this global campaign will once again focus on raising awareness about the importance of responsible antimicrobial use and the rising threat of resistant infections. The theme for World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2024 is, ‘Educate. Advocate. Act now’ which mainly emphasizes understanding different types of antimicrobials and their appropriate uses, particularly distinguishing between antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals.
Also Read: World Antimicrobial Awareness Week: Know About The Significance And Facts
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What Are Antimicrobials?
Antimicrobials are substances that either eradicate or stop the spread of microorganisms, including fungi, viruses, bacteria, and parasites. They play a critical role in modern medicine, enabling us to treat once-fatal infections. However, overuse or misuse of these powerful medicines can lead to AMR, where microorganisms evolve and become resistant, rendering treatments ineffective.
To help combat Antimicrobial Resistance, it is crucial to understand the difference between the three primary types of antimicrobials: antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals.
Also Read: World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week 2023: Theme and Significance
Antibiotics
What Are They?
Antibiotics are drugs designed to fight bacterial infections. They either kill bacteria outright (bactericidal) or inhibit their growth (bacteriostatic), allowing the immune system to eliminate the infection.
Common Uses:
Antibiotics are prescribed for infections caused by bacteria, such as pneumonia, strep throat, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and bacterial skin infections. However, antibiotics are ineffective against viruses or fungal infections.
Types of Antibiotics:
There are numerous categories of antibiotics, each targeting specific types of bacteria. Some well-known classes of antibiotics include:
- Penicillins (e.g., amoxicillin)
- Cephalosporins (e.g., cephalexin)
- Macrolides (e.g., azithromycin)
- Tetracyclines (e.g., doxycycline)
Antibiotic Resistance:
The misuse of antibiotics such as taking them for viral infections, skipping doses, or not finishing the prescribed course leads to antibiotic resistance. This occurs when bacteria mutate and become resistant, making infections harder to treat. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), antibiotic resistance is one of the most significant threats to public health today.
Examples of Bacterial Infections:
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- Gonorrhea
- Bacterial pneumonia
- Sepsis
Antivirals
What Are They?
Antivirals are drugs used to treat infections caused by viruses. Unlike bacteria, viruses are not living organisms and replicate within host cells, making them harder to target. Antivirals work by interfering with the virus’s ability to multiply and spread in the body.
Common Uses:
Antiviral medications are prescribed to treat viral infections like the flu (influenza), HIV, herpes, and hepatitis C. Unlike antibiotics, they don’t destroy the virus but reduce its replication to control the infection.
Types of Antivirals:
Antivirals are typically categorized by the virus they target. Some common antiviral drugs include:
- Neuraminidase inhibitors (e.g., oseltamivir for influenza)
- Reverse transcriptase inhibitors (e.g., tenofovir for HIV)
- Protease inhibitors (e.g., lopinavir for HIV)
- Direct-acting antivirals (e.g., sofosbuvir for hepatitis C)
Viral Resistance:
Viruses may change and become resistant to antiviral medications, much like bacteria. This makes infections like HIV, influenza, and hepatitis C harder to control if antivirals are overused or misused.
Examples of Viral Infections:
- Influenza (the flu)
- COVID-19
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Antifungals
What Are They?
Medications that are used to treat fungal infections are known as antifungals. These drugs work by targeting fungal cell membranes, effectively killing the fungus or stopping its growth.
Common Uses:
Antifungal medications are prescribed to treat fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, ringworm, candidiasis (thrush), and more serious infections like invasive aspergillosis.
Types of Antifungals:
Antifungals are divided into several categories based on how they work:
- Azoles (e.g., fluconazole)
- Polyenes (e.g., amphotericin B)
- Echinocandins (e.g., caspofungin)
Fungal Resistance:
Although less common than bacterial or viral, fungal resistance is a growing concern, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. The overuse of antifungal medications in agriculture and medicine has contributed to the rise of resistant fungal strains.
Examples of Fungal Infections
- Athlete’s foot
- Ringworm
- Candidiasis (yeast infections)
- Aspergillosis
Why Is It Important To Understand the Difference?
Correct Diagnosis: Taking an antibiotic for a viral infection (like a cold or flu) won’t cure the illness and can contribute to the development of resistant bacteria.
Appropriate Treatment: Antiviral and antifungal medications should be used only when needed and as prescribed by a healthcare provider to ensure their effectiveness.
Preventing AMR: By using the right antimicrobial for the right infection, you help preserve the effectiveness of these drugs for future generations.
How to Prevent Antimicrobial Resistance?
To help curb antimicrobial resistance, here are a few steps everyone can take:
- Use antibiotics only as directed by a doctor or healthcare professional.
- Never share antibiotics, antivirals, or antifungals with others.
- Complete the full course of prescribed antimicrobials, even if you feel better.
- Practice good hygiene, including regular handwashing and vaccination, to prevent infections in the first place.
Conclusion
World Antimicrobial Awareness Week is a timely reminder of the critical role antimicrobials play in our health and the need to use them wisely. By understanding the difference between antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals, we can all contribute to the fight against antimicrobial resistance, ensuring these life-saving medications remain effective for years to come.
(This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna Chief Content Editor)
Author Profile
Soumita Basu:
Soumita Basu holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy and is keenly interested in Ayurveda, home remedies, yoga, fitness, diagnostics, and beauty. With nearly 6 years of experience, she produces evidence-based health content, including articles, videos, and infographics, to provide valuable insights to her audience.
References:
1. World AMR Awareness WeekWorld Health Organization
2. Ten ways to make the most of World Antimicrobial Awareness WeekBradley J Langford 1,✉, Kelly L Matson 2, Khalid Eljaaly 3, Anucha Apisarnthanarak 4, Pamela L Bailey 5, Lindsay MacMurray 6, Alexandre R Marra 7, Kari A Simonsen 8, Pranavi Sreeramoju 9, Priya Nori 10, Gonzalo M Bearman 11
