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Resistance to antimicrobial agents: a personal view
1Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, University Hospital, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham.
Journal of Medical Microbiology
|September 15, 1998
Summary
Antimicrobial drug resistance is a serious global threat, particularly from hospital-acquired infections and resistant pathogens like tuberculosis. Effective containment requires improved infection control, regulated drug use, and enhanced surveillance to ensure the future of antimicrobial chemotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
- Public Health and Epidemiology
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Background:
- Antimicrobial drug resistance (AMR) presents significant challenges globally.
- Key concerns include multiresistant bacteria in hospital settings and multidrug resistance in classic pathogens affecting developing nations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the dual nature of antimicrobial resistance problems.
- To propose strategies for containment and regulation of antimicrobial drug use.
- To highlight areas needing further research and improved educational practices.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of current trends and impacts of antimicrobial resistance.
- Review of infection control practices and antimicrobial prescribing policies.
- Discussion of regulatory measures for drug manufacture, availability, and use.
Main Results:
- Multiresistant opportunist bacteria in hospitals can be managed with good infection control and judicious prescribing.
- Multidrug-resistant classic pathogens require coordinated global action, including regulation of drug manufacturing and use.
- Limited knowledge exists regarding resistance to antiviral, antifungal, and antiparasitic drugs, necessitating further research.
Conclusions:
- Effective antimicrobial chemotherapy requires enhanced infection control, strict regulation of drug use (prescription-only status recommended), and improved surveillance.
- Formalizing medical education on prescribing habits is crucial.
- Global cooperation among governments, international agencies, and pharmaceutical companies is essential to address the uncertain future of antimicrobial treatments.