However, use of these antimicrobial agents has allowed bacteria, or microbes, to develop resistances to some of these methods, the environmental impact of which is not entirely known. An Ecological Perspective, therefore takes a broad view of the problem of increasing resistance to antimicrobials and its consequences for human, animal, and environmental health.
Bacteria develop their resistances as a natural course of multiplication and growth.
However, because of the relatively short life span of many bacterial strains, the process is sped up somewhat. Exacerbating the problem is the overuse or misuse of antimicrobials, further speeding the development of resistance. As existing antimicrobial agents decline in effectiveness, infections will be more difficult and expensive to treat, epidemics will become harder to control and humans, animals and crops will be affected. This report provides an overview of the current situation and offers specific recommendations for future scientific research, surveillance programs and education efforts. The document presents the conclusions of a panel of 30 scientists brought together by the American Academy of Microbiology to review the fundamental relationships between the use of antimicrobial agents in humans, animals, agriculture and aquaculture and its effects on humans, animals and the environment.