Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is when microorganisms (like bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites) develop the ability to resist the effects of medicines that were once effective against them. As a result, the standard treatments become ineffective, infections persist and may spread to others, and it becomes harder or even impossible to treat common infections.
Antimicrobials include antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics.
AMR happens naturally over time, but misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in humans, animals, and agriculture accelerate the process.
Examples:
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria like MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).
Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB).
Drug-resistant malaria.
Infections become harder and more expensive to treat.
Longer hospital stays, higher medical costs, and increased mortality.
Poses a global threat to public health, food security, and development.
Overprescription or misuse of antibiotics (e.g. for viral infections like the flu).
Not finishing prescribed treatment courses.
Poor infection control in hospitals and clinics.
Use of antibiotics in livestock and agriculture.
Lack of new antimicrobial development.
Directly reduces AMR:
TCVs prevent typhoid fever, including infections caused by drug-resistant strains, thereby directly decreasing the number of cases requiring antibiotic treatment.
Indirectly reduces AMR:
By preventing typhoid, TCVs reduce the overall demand for antibiotics, which in turn minimizes the selective pressure that drives the development of resistant bacteria.
Reduces overuse of antibiotics:
In many typhoid-endemic areas, antibiotics are often prescribed based on suspected or confirmed typhoid cases, even if the infection is not actually resistant. By reducing the number of typhoid cases, TCVs can help reduce this unnecessary antibiotic use.
Supports antimicrobial stewardship:
TCVs complement antimicrobial stewardship programs by reducing the need for antibiotics and promoting more judicious use of these vital drugs.
Protects vulnerable populations:
TCVs are particularly important for children, who are most vulnerable to both typhoid and AMR. By protecting them from typhoid, TCVs can help prevent severe illness and death, and also reduce the burden on healthcare systems.