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Isolation and Identification of Waterborne Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Molecular Characterization of their Antibiotic Resistance Genes
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Antimicrobial resistance prevention initiative--an update: proceedings of an expert panel on resistance

Robert C Moellering1, John R Graybill, John E McGowan

  • 1Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA. rmoeller@bidmc.harvard.edu

The American Journal of Medicine
|July 3, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Antimicrobial resistance in bacteria, fungi, and viruses is a global health threat. Key strategies to combat this include responsible antimicrobial stewardship and developing new antimicrobial agents.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global health challenge, complicating treatment of both hospital-acquired and community-acquired infections.
  • The problem spans diverse human pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, necessitating a broad approach to understanding and combating resistance.
  • This review focuses on critical trends in antibiotic, antifungal, and antiviral resistance, highlighting the urgency of the issue.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current trends in antimicrobial resistance across bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens.
  • To highlight specific challenges in multidrug-resistant bacteria, community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and resistant fungal infections.
  • To discuss antiviral resistance in herpesviruses and concerns regarding avian influenza A, emphasizing the need to prevent resistant strains.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature and trends in antimicrobial resistance.
  • Focus on specific pathogens and resistance mechanisms in hospital and community settings.
  • Examination of in vitro susceptibility testing for fungal infections and antiviral resistance in specific viral infections.

Main Results:

  • Multidrug-resistant bacteria pose a significant threat in hospitals.
  • Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is an increasing concern.
  • Resistance to azoles and polyenes in non-albicans Candida and Aspergillus species complicates treatment of nosocomial fungal infections.
  • Antiviral resistance is observed in herpesviruses affecting immunocompromised individuals.
  • Avian influenza A presents a pandemic concern, with a need to minimize resistant strains.

Conclusions:

  • Addressing antimicrobial resistance requires a multifaceted approach, including responsible antimicrobial stewardship.
  • Development of novel antimicrobial agents is crucial for overcoming existing and emerging resistance.
  • Continued surveillance and research are essential to manage the evolving threat of antimicrobial resistance.

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