Dr. Suat Günsel University of Kyrenia Hospital Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Specialist Dr. Emine Ünal Evren explained that microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi cause infectious diseases. Evren said that the treatment of these diseases, which occasionally cause outbreaks and threatens public health, varies according to the type of microorganism that causes the infection, and that antibiotics commonly used in the community are effective in treating infections caused by bacteria, but do not work on viruses.

Specialist Dr. Emine Ünal Evren added that today at least half of the antibiotics are used in inappropriate infections, doses and duration. Specialist Dr. Emine Ünal said that, the studies on misuse of antibiotics shows that countries including Turkey are ranked in the first place in the world and also noted that antibiotic resistance causes a very serious threat to the public health.

Evren underlined that in the case of antibiotic resistance the drug cannot neutralize the target bacteria at the treatment dose. Specialist Emine Ünal Evren stressed that physicians should comply with national and international diagnosis and treatment guidelines while diagnosing the disease caused by viral infections clinically similar to bacterial infections and that patients should not insist for physicians to prescribe antibiotics.

Dr. Suat Günsel University of Kyrenia Hospital Specialist Emine Ünal explained that bacteria can transfer their genetic structures causing resistance to different species and this contributes to the spread of antibiotic resistance. Evren said that diseases caused by resistant bacteria can be fatal, especially in the intensive care environment and in patients with weakened immune system, and if this is not avoided the drugs available for the treatment of infectious diseases will become completely ineffective in the near future.

Antibiotics do not work on viruses
Dr. Suat Günsel University of Kyrenia Hospital Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Specialist Dr. Emine Ünal Evren added that; “The future is ours. Anyone who prescribes, sells, uses, produces, promotes and controls these drugs should be aware of the responsibility they carry in the fight against antibiotic resistance. “Evren also underlined the importance of rational use of antibiotics in all areas (agriculture, animal husbandry, veterinary medicine, humans). Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Specialist Dr. Emine Ünal Evren stated that one of the most common causes of antibiotic use in general is the upper respiratory tract infections, which on a larger proportion, about 90%, is related to viruses and are often self-healing.

Evren stressed that The World Antibiotic Awareness Week on November 18-24 and the European Antibiotic Awareness Day on November 18 are created to raise awareness about antibiotic resistance and rational antibiotic use that threaten public health and underlined the importance of the rational use of these type of drugs.