GROWTH OF RESISTANT STRAINS RELATED TO THE INDISCRIMINATE AND INAPPROPRIATE USE OF ANTIBIOTICS

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the relationship between the inappropriate and indiscriminate use of antibiotics and the resulting growth of resistant bacterial strains, a major global public health challenge. It is an integrative literature review based on scientific publications from the SciELO, PubMed/MEDLINE, and LILACS databases, covering the years 2010 to 2025. The research included national and international studies addressing biological, social, and cultural factors related to the irrational use of these drugs. The results show that practices such as self-medication, incorrect prescriptions, premature interruption of treatment, and the use of antibiotics without clinical indication contribute to the development and spread of multidrug-resistant strains, compromising therapeutic effectiveness and increasing costs and risks within the healthcare system. It was also observed that bacterial resistance directly affects patient safety, prolongs hospital stays, and complicates essential medical procedures such as surgeries and chemotherapy. The study concludes that there is a need for strict public policies to promote the rational use of antimicrobials, educational campaigns to raise awareness about the risks of self-medication, and greater involvement of healthcare professionals especially pharmacists in promoting safe and responsible practices.