title: Antimicrobial considerations in the perioperative patient.
abstract: Surgical site infections are among the complications that can be reduced with the timely implementation of appropriate antimicrobial therapy. A 3-D approach to judicious antimicrobial use focuses on the de-escalation of systemic antimicrobial therapy, design of dosing regimens, and decontamination of the surgeon, patient, and environment. De-escalation can be accomplished in part through proper antimicrobial prophylaxis. Dosing regimens should be designed to maximize efficacy and minimize resistance. Decontamination includes disinfection of inanimate surfaces and timely application of appropriate antiseptics at concentrations that maximize efficacy.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, 1130 Wire Road, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
authors.forename: Dawn Merton
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Boothe
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, 1220 Wire Road, Auburn, AL 36849, USA. Electronic address: boothhw@auburn.edu.
authors.forename: Harry W
authors.initials: HW
authors.lastname: Boothe
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis / Q000662:veterinary*; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002415:Cats; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004285:Dogs; D059035:Perioperative Period / Q000662:veterinary*; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents
keywords: Antimicrobial prophylaxis; Antiseptics; Disinfectants; Surgical site infection