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A Protocol to Characterize the Morphological Changes of Clostridium difficile in Response to Antibiotic Treatment
Published on: May 25, 2017
The principles of curative antibiotic treatments
Robert Cohen1, Emmanuel Grimprel2, Alexis Rybak3
1Université Paris Est, IMRB-GRC GEMINI, 94000 Créteil, France; Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Créteil, France; ACTIV, Association Clinique et Thérapeutique Infantile du Val de Marne, Saint-Maur des Fossés, France; Pediatric Infectious Pathology Group of the French Pediatric Society, Créteil, France.
Abstract:
Knowledge of infectious diseases and their treatments is constantly evolving. New infectious agents are regularly discovered, due mainly to improvement of identification techniques, especially the development of molecular biology and mass spectrometry. While changes in the epidemiology of infectious diseases are not always predictable or readily understood, several factors regularly enter into consideration, such as not only the natural history of diseases and the impact of vaccinations, but also the excessive and irrational use of antibiotics. Antibiotic resistance is now recognized as one of the major challenges for humanity, especially since few new molecules have been put on the market in recent years. These molecules are reserved for serious infections caused by bacteria resistant to other antibiotics and should be prescribed only by infectious disease specialists trained in their use. Rationalization of antibiotic therapy is therefore one of the keys to reducing antibiotic resistance and the spread of resistant bacteria. In this guide, with regard to each clinical situation, the bacterial target(s) of antibiotic treatment, the preferred antibiotic choice, and the therapeutic alternatives will be specified. Comments on diagnosis and treatment of the infection will be added if necessary.
Insights
Antibiotic resistance is a major global challenge due to evolving infectious diseases and irrational antibiotic use. This guide emphasizes rational antibiotic therapy to combat resistance and improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Infectious disease knowledge is rapidly evolving with new agent discoveries via molecular biology and mass spectrometry.
- Factors influencing infectious disease epidemiology include natural disease history, vaccinations, and the excessive, irrational use of antibiotics.
- Antibiotic resistance is a significant global health challenge, exacerbated by a limited pipeline of new antibiotic molecules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a guide for rational antibiotic therapy in various clinical situations.
- To specify bacterial targets, preferred antibiotic choices, and alternatives for effective treatment.
- To offer insights into diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases, aiding in combating antibiotic resistance.
Main Methods:
- This guide details antibiotic treatment strategies for specific clinical scenarios.
- It outlines preferred antibiotic choices and therapeutic alternatives based on bacterial targets.
- Diagnostic and treatment comments are included for each clinical situation.
Main Results:
- The guide provides a structured approach to selecting appropriate antibiotics.
- It emphasizes the importance of targeting specific bacteria for effective treatment.
- Information is presented to support informed clinical decision-making in infectious disease management.
Conclusions:
- Rationalization of antibiotic therapy is crucial for reducing antibiotic resistance.
- Judicious use of antibiotics, guided by specialists, is essential for managing serious infections.
- This resource aims to support healthcare professionals in optimizing antibiotic use and controlling resistance.
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