Antibiotic resistance: prospects for the new millennium

Antibiotic resistance, which has been recognized to be an important clinical problem, varies in prevalence from one country to another and among the pathogens themselves. This has great clinical, economic, political and environmental implications worldwide. Strict adherence to the ongoing measures of infection control, education and antibiotic policy does minimize antibiotic resistance. The limits surrounding such approaches make consideration of new strategies become inevitable. These may include the use of new therapeutic modalities, probiotics, prebiotics and the cationic peptides. Multidisciplinary action by governments, drug industry, academicians and legislators should also be considered to overcome such a global problem. It is better that we try to prevent antibiotic resistance, rather than having to deal with it once it occurs. It is hoped that the present review will provide useful data on antibiotic resistance and assist in making rational choices to overcome this emerging problem.