Antimicrobials are therapeutic substances used to treat infections caused by bacteria, fungi, and viruses. However, excessive or inappropriate use can lead to microbial resistance,that is, the emergence of resistant microorganisms that are not sensitive to certain drugs. Antimicrobial resistance is a growing challenge not only in medicine but also in veterinary medicine, with significant repercussions for animal and human health and the environment.
This problem has several causes, including the excessive use of antibiotics on industrial farms, the inappropriate or indiscriminate prescription of antimicrobials by veterinary professionals and the lack of regulation in the use of antimicrobials in companion animals. As a result, we are witnessing an alarming increase in the prevalence of multi-drug resistant organisms, making the treatment of infections increasingly challenging and costly.
In the case of bacteria, for example, resistance occurs by 2 main mechanisms: by a mutation that alters the drug's target or by the acquisition of DNA that codes for resistance to antimicrobial drugs. Thus, sensitive bacteria die, but those that have acquired resistance remain and, by multiplying, transfer resistance genes to new bacteria, making it difficult to treat infections. There are also the famous multi-drug resistant bacteria (MDR's), which are those that are simultaneously resistant to several types of antibiotic, making the problem even more serious and conventional treatments less effective and, in some cases, completely useless.
Given this worrying scenario, homeopathy has emerged as a promising alternative in veterinary complementary medicine. Homeopathy is a medical practice based on the principle of similarity, where substances that cause symptoms in healthy individuals are ultra-diluted and administered in minimal doses to treat the same symptoms in sick patients. In veterinary medicine, homeopathy has been used successfully in the treatment and prevention of various diseases, offering an alternative to conventional antimicrobials.
One of the advantages of homeopathy is its holistic and individualized approach to treating illnesses. Homeopathic medicines are selected based not only on the animal's physical symptoms, but also on its emotional and behavioral state. This allows for personalized treatment aimed at strengthening the animal's immune system and restoring its internal balance, making it less susceptible to infections.
By treating animals with homeopathy, there is a significant reduction in the need to use antimicrobials. Instead of suppressing the symptoms of the disease with drugs that act directly on the pathogens, homeopathy stimulates the body's natural defenses to fight the infection. This not only minimizes the development of antimicrobial resistance, but also promotes a more complete and lasting recovery.
As well as helping to fight antimicrobial resistance, homeopathy also contributes to animal and environmental health in other ways, since by reducing dependence on antimicrobials, it improves animal welfare, as it avoids side effects and damage associated with the overuse of antibiotics. In addition, homeopathy is a sustainable and ecologically correct practice, because as well as using natural raw materials in a sustainable way, it does not generate waste like conventional medicines, reducing the impact on the environment.
Final considerations:
Antimicrobial resistance is a complex and multifaceted problem that requires an integrated and collaborative approach to be tackled successfully. While measures to control the use of antimicrobials and proper management practices are essential to reduce the indiscriminate use of antibiotics in veterinary medicine, homeopathy offers a valuable and effective alternative. By strengthening animals' immune systems and reducing the need for antimicrobials, homeopathy plays an important role in preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics and promoting animal and environmental health. Therefore, investing in research and education on the responsible use of antimicrobials and integrating homeopathy into veterinary practice is essential to meet this global challenge and protect the health of animals and humans.
References:
Cardoso, R.R. Guia de Uso Racional de Antimicrobianos para Cães e Gatos. Secretaria de Defesa Agropecuária. Brasília : MAPA/AECS, 2022.
Weyermeyer, P. et al. Evidence-based veterinary / homeopathic treatment and its potential relevance in treating the problem of antibiotic resistance Schweiz Arch Tierheilkd 2020, 162, 10, 597-615 doi: 10.17236/sat00273
World Organization for Animal Health. Antimicrobial Resistance (Fact Sheet). 2015, disponível em www.oie.int
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