Reminding that antibiotics are one of the greatest inventions made by medical science for the benefit of humanity, Infectious Diseases, and Clinical Microbiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Meral Sönmezoğlu said that unnecessary and excessive use of antibiotics other than proper use has created antimicrobial resistance, which is the biggest health hazard in the 21st century, and the World Health Organization (WHO) warned in this regard.
In order to draw attention to the issue of antimicrobial resistance, which is a very big problem globally and carries much greater risks for the future, studies are being carried out on different platforms within the scope of World Antimicrobial Awareness Week.
Although antibiotics are one of the greatest inventions for humanity, Yeditepe University Hospitals Infectious Diseases  Specialist Prof. Dr. Meral Sönmezoğlu made significant statements on the subject.
Stating that this year is "Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance Together", Prof. Dr. Sönmezoğlu said, “It has called on all sectors to promote the careful use of antimicrobials and to strengthen measures to prevent antimicrobial resistance by working in cooperation with this approach.

Correct Use of Antibiotics Is A Must!

Prof. Dr. Sönmezoğlu remarked: “According to research, bacterial resistance is estimated to have caused the deaths of about 1.27 million people in 2019,” Prof. Dr. In addition to this fact, large economic losses have become a big problem, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Since the production of new antibiotics is now very difficult and there is no good news on the horizon, the usable antibiotics we have must be managed correctly.”

In The Last 10 Years, The Rate of Antibiotic Use In Our Country Has Increased By About 33%! 

Stating that the decisions to be taken with the World Health Organization's Global Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (GLASS) for the monitoring of antimicrobial resistance have started to be determined, Prof. Dr. Meral Sönmezoğlu gave the following information: 
"First of all, with the antibiotic classification called AWaRe, the rules of antibiotic use were determined and started to be monitored. According to the first results obtained with the examination, the use of antibiotics has increased by 32.87 percent in the last 10 years in our country. The first antibiotics to be selected should be at least 60 percent of all antibiotics, while this rate is 40 percent in our country. In addition, our country is among the countries with the highest antibiotic resistance. ”

Turkey is Among the Countries with the Highest Rate of Antibiotic Use!

Underlining that the use of antibiotics is the impulsion of antimicrobial resistance (AMD), Prof. Dr. Meral Sönmezoğlu said, “Unfortunately, our country's antibiotic consumption is among the highest in the who European Region. However, a new electronic prescription system has been developed to monitor and control the use of antibiotics in Turkey. The system follows the prescription data and gives feedback to the physician."

How Can Antibiotic Resistance be Controlled? 

Stating that Turkey is a member of the WHO Antimicrobial Drug Consumption Network and that the data comply with WHO international standards, Prof. Dr. Meral Sönmezoğlu explained the following about what needs to be done to control antibiotic resistance:
“First of all, antibiotics should only be used when recommended by the doctor and for a period determined by the doctor. Most upper respiratory tract infections, which are the most prescribed antibiotics, develop due to viruses, not bacteria, where antibiotics are effective, and antibiotics do not act at all. However, patients or their relatives should not be asked to prescribe antibiotics to their physicians. Antibiotics should not be kept at home and should not be prescribed to others. Antibiotics should not be used as antipyretics and painkillers. One of the most significant points is the use of antibiotics in the right period. Antibiotics should not be discontinued before the recommended time, however, should not be used for longer than necessary. ”

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