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Updated: Jul 5, 2026
11:15
Quadruple-Checkerboard: A Modification of the Three-Dimensional Checkerboard for Studying Drug Combinations
Published on: July 24, 2021
Bugs versus drugs: addressing the pharmacist's challenge
David S Burgess1, Robert P Rapp
1College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, USA. burgessd@uthscsa.edu
Summary
Antimicrobial resistance in hospitals poses a significant challenge for treating infections. A multidisciplinary approach, including optimized dosing and stewardship programs, is crucial for effective treatment and preserving antibiotic efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Pharmacy
- Microbiology
Background:
- High endemic levels of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and multidrug resistance (MDR) in hospitals complicate treatment decisions.
- Seriously ill patients with bacterial infections face significant therapeutic challenges due to resistance patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the challenges posed by antimicrobial and multidrug resistance in hospital settings.
- To explore strategies for effective therapy selection in critically ill patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of current antimicrobial resistance trends and their clinical impact.
- Analysis of therapeutic strategies for common resistant pathogens.
- Evaluation of antimicrobial stewardship and infection control interventions.
Main Results:
- Differentiating healthcare-associated from community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is increasingly difficult, impacting treatment.
- Rising prevalence of multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria necessitates careful antimicrobial selection due to limited new drug development.
- Optimized dosing strategies are vital for minimizing resistance emergence and preserving existing agents.
Conclusions:
- A multidisciplinary approach is essential to combat hospital antimicrobial resistance.
- Clinical pharmacists play a proactive role in optimizing antimicrobial use.
- Antimicrobial stewardship programs and infection control are critical for appropriate use and reducing pathogen spread.
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