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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, MA 02215, USA. rmoeller@bidmc.harvard.edu

American Journal of Infection Control
|November 6, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Antimicrobial resistance is a global threat impacting bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. Key strategies to combat this include responsible antimicrobial stewardship and developing new antimicrobial agents.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global challenge affecting nosocomial and community-acquired infections.
  • This worldwide problem encompasses resistance in bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current trends in antibiotic, antifungal, and antiviral resistance.
  • To highlight key areas of concern and strategies for combating antimicrobial resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Review of trends in antimicrobial resistance.
  • Focus on multidrug-resistant bacteria, community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, antifungal resistance in specific fungal species, antiviral resistance in herpesviruses, and avian influenza A.
  • Evaluation of in vitro susceptibility testing for fungal infections.

Main Results:

  • Increasing resistance observed in hospital-acquired bacteria and community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
  • Emerging triazole and polyene resistance in non-Candida albicans and Aspergillus species.
  • Antiviral resistance in herpesviruses and concerns regarding avian influenza A.
  • Utility of in vitro susceptibility testing for fungal infections.

Conclusions:

  • Addressing antimicrobial resistance requires a multi-faceted approach.
  • Responsible antimicrobial stewardship and the development of novel antimicrobial agents are crucial.
  • Continued surveillance and research are essential to mitigate the impact of resistant pathogens.

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