Antimicrobial use and bacterial resistance.
The current epidemic of bacterial resistance is attributed, in part, to the overuse of antibiotics. Recent studies have documented increases in resistance with over-use of particular antibiotics and improvements in susceptibility when antibiotic use is controlled. The most effective means of improving use of antibiotics is unknown. Comprehensive management programs directed by multi-disciplinary teams, computer-assisted decision-making, and antibiotic cycling have been beneficial in controlling antibiotic use, decreasing costs without impacting patient outcomes, and possibly decreasing resistance.
Monroe
S
S
Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia 23298, USA.
Polk
R
R
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003658:Decision Making, Computer-Assisted; D004352:Drug Resistance, Microbial; D006300:Health Services Misuse
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents