Multidrug-resistant
Multidrug-resistant (pronounced: mul-ti-drug-re-sis-tant) is a term used in the field of Microbiology and Pharmacology to describe microorganisms, particularly bacteria, that have developed resistance to multiple types of Antibiotics or drugs.
Etymology
The term "Multidrug-resistant" is derived from the English words "multi" meaning many, "drug" referring to a medicine or other substance which has a physiological effect when ingested or otherwise introduced into the body, and "resistant" meaning able to withstand or repel.
Definition
Multidrug-resistance is a condition where a microorganism, such as bacteria or viruses, becomes resistant to not just one, but multiple drugs or antibiotics that were initially effective in treating infections caused by them. This resistance can occur through various mechanisms, including the alteration of the drug target, decreased drug uptake, increased drug efflux, or the production of enzymes that inactivate the drug.
Related Terms
- Antibiotic Resistance: The ability of a microorganism to withstand the effects of an antibiotic.
- Superbug: A strain of bacteria that has become resistant to antibiotic drugs.
- Drug Resistance: The reduction in effectiveness of a drug in curing a disease or condition.
- Pharmacoresistance: The failure of a standard drug treatment to work as expected.
Implications
Multidrug-resistance poses a significant challenge in the treatment of diseases, particularly infectious diseases. It often leads to increased mortality rates, longer hospital stays, and higher medical costs. The rise of multidrug-resistant organisms is largely due to the misuse and overuse of antibiotics.
Prevention and Control
Prevention and control of multidrug-resistance involve appropriate use of antibiotics, infection control measures, surveillance, and research into new treatment options.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Multidrug-resistant
- Wikipedia's article - Multidrug-resistant
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