In the past, the main concern over antimicrobials was drug residues in the food for human consumption. Today, however, the big concern is that irresponsible use of antimicrobials may lead to the development of antimicrobial resistance bacteria and if these bacteria are transferred to human they may cause untreatable diseases. Following are some questions and answers regarding antimicrobial resistance which may help you to separate facts from myths. Although these two terms are often used interchangeably there is a difference. Antibiotics are the substances produced by microorganisms which inhibit or kill other microorganisms.
Antimicrobials are similar to antibiotics but also include substances produced artificially.
Antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial residue are separate issues. The exact mechanism for the development of antimicrobial resistance is not yet clear. In 1986, Sweden banned all the antimicrobial's usage for promoting animal growth purposes. In December of 1998, four additional antimicrobials including Tysolin phosphate, Bacitracin Zinc, Spiramycin and Virginiamycin were added to the EU's list of banned substances. Antimicrobials are health management tools used for disease treatment and disease prevention.