The Growing Global Threat Of Antibiotic Resistance Ielts Reading Answers

Explanation: Paragraph F mentions "...implementing 'antibiotic stewardship' programmes...".

The growing global threat of antibiotic resistance requires immediate attention and action. Understanding the causes, consequences, and solutions to antibiotic resistance is essential for IELTS test-takers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers. By working together to promote responsible antibiotic use, develop new antibiotics, and enhance infection control measures, we can mitigate the risks of antibiotic resistance and protect global health.

Antibiotics are sometimes used solely to prevent infections (e.g., in livestock). Sentence Completion: The pharmaceutical industry often prioritizes drugs for chronic conditions (like asthma) over antibiotics because they are more profitable

The acceleration of AMR is not accidental; it is primarily driven by human behaviour. The most significant factor is the overuse and misuse of antibiotics. In many countries, antibiotics are available without prescription, leading to their use for viral infections like the common cold, against which they are completely ineffective. In agriculture, an estimated 70% of all antibiotics sold globally are used in farm animals – not only to treat sick animals but also to promote growth and prevent disease in healthy livestock. This sub-therapeutic dosing creates a perfect breeding ground for resistant bacteria, which can then reach humans through the food chain, water run-off, and direct contact.

Alexander Fleming warned about antibiotic resistance in his 1928 discovery paper. 5. Without action, deaths from drug-resistant infections are predicted to exceed deaths from cancer by 2050. 6. Sweden’s strategy to reduce antibiotic use focused on restricting prescriptions for humans only. 7. All countries have now adopted the UK’s ‘subscription’ model for paying drug companies.

(The text mentions up to 80% are fed to livestock in some nations.)