Rational Use of Antibiotics in the Era of Antimicrobial Resistance: Recent Advances and Future Directions

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a critical global public health threat, undermining a century of medical advancement and posing significant risks to modern healthcare systems. The irrational and excessive application of antibiotics in human and animal medicine is a principal accelerator of this crisis. This narrative review synthesizes contemporary evidence, drawing from PubMed, Web of Science, and key guideline databases from 2015 to 2024, to evaluate strategies for the rational deployment of antibiotics. We examine established interventions, including structured antimicrobial stewardship programs, the integration of rapid diagnostic technologies, and the application of biomarkers for clinical decision-making. Recent progress in genomics, point-of-care diagnostics, and artificial intelligence is scrutinized for its role in refining prescribing accuracy. The review further explores the imperative of the One Health paradigm and proposes future trajectories, such as novel economic models to stimulate antibiotic innovation and robust global surveillance frameworks. Ultimately, curbing AMR necessitates a sustained, collaborative effort across sectors, underpinned by public education and dedicated investment in research.