Inappropriately prescribed and over-the-counter antimicrobials in the Brazilian Amazon Basin: We need to promote more rational use even in remote places.

The present survey showed not only that inappropriate use of antimicrobials is present in remote places such as the Amazon Basin, but also that one-third of those antimicrobials were taken to treat non-infectious or non-bacterial conditions. In addition to an unnecessary risk of adverse effects to the exposed populations, the inappropriate use of antibiotics without prescription helps to increase antibiotic-resistant strains. In the present case, this was happening near one of Latin America's most important water supplies, which could contribute to the global impact of antimicrobial resistance.