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[WHO'S AFRAID OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES - A DISCIPLINE WITH BROAD IMPACT]
Miriam Weinberger1,2,3
1Infectious Diseases Unit, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin.
Introduction:
The Infectious Diseases discipline is diverse, dynamic, vibrant, ever-changing, exciting and fascinating. The Infectious Diseases specialists have a major contribution both to the successful outcome of the individual patient with an infectious episode and to public health on multiple levels. The involvement of infectious diseases specialist in complex infections has shown to reduce mortality by about 50%. On the background of the global antimicrobial resistance crisis, the infectious diseases specialists have assumed another important role: to guard antibiotics and fight resistance. As a response to the crisis, guidelines to balance between the need for high quality treatment for the individual patient and sensible use of antibiotics were issued. These were named antibiotic stewardship programs. The Israeli Society of Infectious Diseases, instituted in 1979, has risen to the challenge and undertaken leadership in promoting antibiotic stewardship programs in Israel. This edition of Harefuah, dedicated to the disciple of Infectious Diseases, includes several original articles and reviews representing a selection of the major activities of the Israeli Infectious Diseases specialists. The topic of antibiotic stewardship is emphasized in this edition; it is covered by two original articles, a review and an editorial. Other topics covered are antibiotic resistance, vaccine effects, travel medicine and international medicine. The field of infectious diseases is facing important challenges, among them responses to the global antibiotic crisis and the development of efficient vaccines to fight life-threatening endemic and emerging infections, as well as future epidemics. The Israeli Infectious Diseases specialists are also committed to these important tasks.
Insights
Infectious Diseases specialists are crucial for patient care and public health, significantly reducing mortality. They now lead the fight against antimicrobial resistance through antibiotic stewardship programs.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- The field of Infectious Diseases is dynamic and vital for patient outcomes and public health.
- Infectious Diseases specialists reduce mortality by approximately 50% in complex infections.
- The global antimicrobial resistance crisis necessitates a focus on antibiotic stewardship.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the critical role of Infectious Diseases specialists in Israel.
- To showcase the efforts in promoting antibiotic stewardship programs.
- To address challenges in infectious diseases, including resistance and vaccine development.
Main Methods:
- This edition features original articles and reviews on Infectious Diseases.
- Emphasis is placed on antibiotic stewardship, resistance, vaccines, and travel medicine.
- Content represents the activities of Israeli Infectious Diseases specialists.
Main Results:
- Antibiotic stewardship programs are a key response to the antimicrobial resistance crisis.
- Infectious Diseases specialists play a vital role in guarding antibiotics and combating resistance.
- The Israeli Society of Infectious Diseases leads in promoting antibiotic stewardship.
Conclusions:
- Infectious Diseases specialists are essential for managing infections and public health.
- Combating antimicrobial resistance through stewardship is a priority.
- Continued commitment to addressing infectious disease challenges, including vaccine development, is crucial.