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Isolation and Identification of Waterborne Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Molecular Characterization of their Antibiotic Resistance Genes
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Antibiotic resistance: the perfect storm

I M Gould1

  • 1Department of Medical Microbiology, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZN, UK. i.m.gould@abdn.ac.uk

International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents
|July 15, 2009
PubMed

Insights

The global rise in antibiotic resistance threatens modern medicine. Strategies to slow resistance include diversifying antibiotic prescribing and reducing unnecessary use.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Antibiotic resistance is a growing global epidemic, jeopardizing effective medical treatments.
  • The diminishing pipeline of new antibiotics exacerbates the challenge.
  • Resistance impacts all medical fields, complicating empirical therapy and limiting treatment options.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review strategies for slowing the development and spread of antibiotic resistance.
  • To highlight the importance of prescribing diversity and reducing unnecessary antibiotic consumption.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current strategies to combat antibiotic resistance.
  • Discussion of the role of new antibiotics, such as tigecycline.
  • Analysis of the impact of unnecessary antibiotic use across various sectors.

Main Results:

  • Antibiotic resistance poses a severe threat to the efficacy of antibiotic therapy.
  • Prescribing diversity and judicious use of antibiotics are crucial for slowing resistance.
  • Tigecycline represents a new therapeutic option for severe infections.

Conclusions:

  • Combating antibiotic resistance requires a multi-faceted approach.
  • Maximizing antibiotic prescribing diversity and curtailing unnecessary use are essential.
  • New antibiotic classes are vital, but reducing overall consumption is paramount.

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