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Antibiotic Resistance

Dangers of antibiotic resistance caused by misuse and overconsumption, and individual ways of prevention.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Internal Medicine department. Book Appointment →

What is Antibiotic Resistance?

Antibiotic resistance is the survival of bacteria by developing mechanisms that render antibiotics ineffective. Unnecessary and incorrect antibiotic use, incomplete treatment durations, and excessive antibiotic use in agriculture and animal husbandry are the main causes of resistance.

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) organisms such as MRSA, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing bacteria, and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella are seriously narrowing treatment options. WHO characterizes antibiotic resistance as one of the biggest threats humanity is facing.

Individual-level measures — using antibiotics only by prescription and as recommended by the physician, not stopping treatment halfway, not demanding antibiotics in viral infections — play a vital role in slowing the spread of resistance.

Symptoms

Infection not responding to antibiotic therapy
Recurrence shortly after treatment is completed
Hospital infections that do not improve with standard treatment
Growth of multidrug-resistant bacteria in culture results
Need for second and third-line antibiotics
Prolonged hospital stays and increased mortality
Common infections becoming no longer treatable

Risk Factors

Unnecessary antibiotic use (in viral infections)
Antibiotic consumption without a physician
Stopping treatment before the recommended duration
Frequent hospitalizations and intensive care experience
Contact with resistant strains transferred from farm animals
Immune system suppression
Travel to endemic resistant bacterial regions

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • If the started antibiotic does not improve symptoms in 48-72 hours
  • If fever and signs of infection are worsening
  • If hospital-acquired infection is suspected
  • For culture-based treatment in recurrent infections
  • For suitability assessment before antibiotic use

Treatment Methods

01
Targeted antibiotic selection guided by culture and antibiogram
02
Last-resort antibiotics such as colistin and tigecycline (in MDR bacteria)
03
Infection control measures (isolation, contact precautions)
04
Antibiotic stewardship programs (at hospital level)
05
Appropriate prophylaxis protocols (surgery, endocarditis)
06
Bacteriophage therapy and new antibiotic development (research area)

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları Department

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You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.