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Isolation and Identification of Waterborne Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Molecular Characterization of their Antibiotic Resistance Genes
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Isolation and Identification of Waterborne Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Molecular Characterization of their Antibiotic Resistance Genes

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Antibiotic and antiseptic resistance: impact on public health

S B Levy1

  • 1Center for Adaptation Genetics and Drug Resistance, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA.

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|October 29, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Increased use of antibiotics and antibacterials has led to resistance, with genetic links between them. Educating health professionals and the public on prudent drug use is crucial for maintaining a balanced microbial environment essential for survival.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Public Health
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • The shift of patient care from hospitals to homes increases the need for antimicrobial stewardship.
  • Historically, limited use of vancomycin and triclosan delayed resistance emergence.
  • Increased application of antibiotics and antibacterials has resulted in widespread resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the emergence of resistance to antibiotics and antibacterials.
  • To emphasize the genetic links between antibiotic and antibacterial resistance.
  • To advocate for education on the rational use of antimicrobial drugs.

Main Methods:

  • Review of historical antibiotic and antibacterial usage patterns.
  • Analysis of genetic correlations between different types of antimicrobial resistance.
  • Dissemination of educational materials through the Alliance for the Prudent Use of Antibiotics (APUA) website and Reservoirs of Antibiotic Resistance (ROAR).

Main Results:

  • Significant increase in antibiotic and antibacterial resistance linked to expanded use.
  • Identification of genetic connections between resistance to antibiotics and antibacterials.
  • Establishment of APUA as a global platform for antimicrobial stewardship education.

Conclusions:

  • Prudent use of antibiotics and antibacterials is essential to preserve their efficacy.
  • Public and professional education is key to combating antimicrobial resistance.
  • Maintaining a balanced microbial ecosystem is vital for human survival and health.

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