Abstract. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become one of the most serious global public health threats of the twenty-first century. The increasing ability of pathogenic microorganisms to develop resistance against antibacterial agents significantly complicates the treatment of infectious diseases and contributes to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare expenditures worldwide. This review article analyzes the major mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, epidemiological trends, clinically significant resistant pathogens, and the impact of antimicrobial resistance on healthcare systems. Scientific publications indexed in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and WHO databases between 2020 and 2025 were reviewed using a narrative literature review approach. The findings demonstrate a global increase in multidrug-resistant organisms, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumanni. Irrational antibiotic prescribing, self-medication, excessive antibiotic use in agriculture, and insufficient infection-control measures remain the primary contributors to resistance development. The article emphasizes the importance of antimicrobial stewardship programs, early laboratory diagnostics, rational antibiotic use, and public health education in combating antimicrobial resistance. [3,5]