Six Bacteria Cause Antimicrobial Resistance

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health challenge, responsible for millions of deaths annually and projected to escalate further due to the misuse and overuse of antibiotics. This presentation highlights six key bacterial pathogens—Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa—which contribute significantly to the global AMR burden. These pathogens exhibit various resistance mechanisms, including limiting drug uptake, modifying drug targets, drug inactivation, and active drug efflux. The role of environmental and healthcare-related factors in propagating resistance is examined, alongside the urgent need for comprehensive monitoring, awareness campaigns, and development of new antimicrobial agents. Strategies such as antimicrobial stewardship programmes, combined therapies, and periodic surveillance are emphasised as essential tools to mitigate resistance, safeguard public health, and promote the responsible use of antibiotics.