Community-acquired antimicrobial resistance: is it controllable?
Antimicrobial agents were introduced into medical use about 50 years ago. Since then, the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in community-acquired pathogens has increased rapidly worldwide. The relationship between antibiotic use and resistance is strongly supported by data from several studies. In Spain, the resistance rates for community-acquired pathogens are among the highest in Europe and coincide with a high consumption of antimicrobial agents. In contrast, in Finland, after a nationwide reduction in the use of macrolides for outpatient therapy, there has been a significant decline in the frequency of erythromycin resistance among group A streptococcal isolates. The control of community-acquired antimicrobial resistance is a challenge for the future and will require the early detection of resistance genes through global and local surveillance, prompt containment of resistant pathogens, and judicious use of antimicrobials.
Liñares
J
J
Department of Microbiology, Hospital de Bellvitge, University of Barcelona, Spain.
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D017714:Community-Acquired Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004352:Drug Resistance, Microbial; D004363:Drug Utilization; D006801:Humans
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents