World Health Day is Thursday, and this year’s theme is “Antimicrobial resistance: no action today no cure tomorrow.”

“Antimicrobial resistance is the resistance developed by bacteria to defeat the mechanisms of antibiotics,” said Robert Hubert, teaching laboratory coordinator in the ISU microbiology department.

Resistance occurs when a bacteria has a mutation that allows it to fight or ward off the antibiotics that were made to destroy it.

“Drug resistance is a natural evolutionary phenomenon. When microorganisms are exposed to an antimicrobial, the more susceptible organisms succumb, leaving behind those resistant to the antimicrobial,” according to the World Health Organization.

“These mutations can be passed on to others when the bacteria multiplies and can lead to more and more resistant bacteria,” Hubert said.

Both Hubert said the inappropriate use of medications can result in the development of drug resistance.

To prevent antimicrobial resistance, Hubert urges students to take antibiotics exactly as prescribed.

“Follow medication instructions as per your physician. Even if you feel good after the first day of taking the medication, take them all,” Hubert said. “Just because you feel ‘fine’ does not mean that the bacteria is completely out of your system. By continuing to take your medication you will effectively keep the concentration up to fight off the organism.”

“Ensuring that patients are informed about the need to take the right dosage of the right antimicrobial requires action from prescribers, pharmacists and dispensers, pharmaceutical industry, the public and patients, as well as the policy makers,” according to the WHO.

For more information, visit the WHO website.