title: Antibiotic resistance and the need for the rational use of antibiotics.
abstract: Antibiotic resistance has increased dramatically over the past 10 years. In many countries, penicillin resistance to Streptococcus pneumoniae is nearly 50% with resistance to other drugs rising as well. One of the mechanisms responsible for the development of resistance is the widespread use of antibiotics in the primary care setting, chiefly for the treatment of respiratory disorders. Reduction in antibiotic prescribing for respiratory diseases in primary care has been associated with decreases in drug resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae. This article will review common reasons for overuse of antibiotics in primary care settings and some strategies for reducing injudicious antibiotic prescribing.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29524, USA. huestowj@musc.edu
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Hueston
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dickerson
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects*; D001991:Bronchitis / Q000188:drug therapy; D003139:Common Cold / Q000188:drug therapy; D024881:Drug Resistance, Bacterial; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008485:Medical Audit; D010033:Otitis Media / Q000188:drug therapy; D010403:Penicillin Resistance; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000188:drug therapy; D012307:Risk Factors; D012852:Sinusitis / Q000188:drug therapy; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects; D013296:Streptococcus pneumoniae / Q000187:drug effects; D013997:Time Factors; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents