Antimicrobial Resistance and Antibiotic Use

Curb antimicrobial resistance: use the right antibiotic first!

Bacteria are an ever-present entity and are ubiquitous. It is only when they infect an unwelcoming host that they become a problem. If the host’s immune system cannot eradicate these microbes, then antibiotics are relied upon to assist. Antibiotics were introduced over 3,000 years ago in the form of molds to treat mainly rashes and infected wounds [1]. It was not until the 19th century that bac...

Inappropriate use of antibiotics in hospitals: the complex relationship between antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance.

Hospitals are considered an excellent compartment for the selection of resistant and multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria. The overuse and misuse of antimicrobial agents are considered key points fuelling this situation. Antimicrobial stewardship programs have been designed for better use of these compounds to prevent the emergence of resistant microorganisms and to diminish the upward trend in ...

Controlling antibiotic use and resistance.

Antimicrobial Drug Use and Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

To the Editor: The article by Harris et al., published in the August 2007 issue of Emerging Infectious Diseases, examined the risk factors for selecting extended-spectrum β-lactamase–producing Enterobacteriaceae in intensive-care patients and found that exposure to piperacillin/tazobactam and vancomycin were independent risk factors (1). Although antimicrobial drug use has been historically lin...

Awareness of antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance in the Iraqi community in Jordan.

INTRODUCTION Antimicrobial resistance is a serious global health concern. It has considerable implications on societies' health and resources. In Jordan, there is a large Iraqi community due to the ongoing turmoil in Iraq. Unfortunately, health awareness and practices of this community are under-investigated due to scarcity of research. This paper assesses the awareness of antibiotic use and an...