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Antimicrobial resistance in the intensive care unit: understanding the problem
1University of Miami/Jackson Health System, Miami, Fla, USA. douggarnp@aol.com
AACN Clinical Issues
|August 2, 2002
Summary
Antimicrobial resistance is a growing global health threat. While new treatments exist, evidence for strategies like antibiotic cycling is limited, urging judicious antimicrobial use.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant challenge to global healthcare.
- Factors contributing to AMR include antimicrobial agent misuse, immunocompromised patients, and technological advancements.
- Cellular mechanisms of AMR involve reduced drug uptake, efflux, enzymatic inactivation, and target site alterations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current landscape of antimicrobial resistance.
- To discuss emerging treatment options and proposed control strategies.
- To emphasize the need for judicious antimicrobial prescribing.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of antimicrobial resistance mechanisms and therapeutic strategies.
- Analysis of factors contributing to the development of resistance.
- Evaluation of proposed interventions for minimizing resistance emergence.
Main Results:
- Established cellular mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance.
- Identified contributing factors to the rise of resistant organisms.
- Noted a lack of strong evidence supporting the effectiveness of antibiotic control policies and cycling.
Conclusions:
- Judicious use and selection of antimicrobials by clinicians are crucial.
- Further research is needed to validate the efficacy of proposed resistance-minimizing strategies.
- Addressing antimicrobial resistance requires a multifaceted approach including responsible prescribing practices.