Selection of antibiotic-resistant pathogens in the community.
In recent years, the importance of the community as a breeding ground for antibiotic-resistant pathogens is being recognized. Prescription of antimicrobial drugs for viral infections, inadequate dosage, use of long-acting macrolides and broad-spectrum antibiotics, and accessibility of over-the-counter antibiotics in many countries are the main drivers of increasing resistance. Education of physicians and the public on the correct use of antibiotics, introduction of rapid and reliable laboratory methods to distinguish between viral and bacterial infections, and offering economic incentives to the pharmaceutical industry to develop new drugs appear to be key issues in the confrontation with this serious public health problem.
Yagupsky
Pablo
P
Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel. yagupsky@bgumail.bgu.ac.il
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects*; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D017714:Community-Acquired Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D024881:Drug Resistance, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics*; D004363:Drug Utilization; D006801:Humans; D012641:Selection, Genetic
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents