title: A bug in the ointment: topical antimicrobial usage and resistance in New Zealand.
abstract: New Zealand has unenviably high rates of bacterial resistance to topical antimicrobials. In this Viewpoint, we review the history and usage of topical antimicrobials in New Zealand, and suggest some strategies to mitigate further increases in antimicrobial resistance to topical agents.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, PO Box 7343, Wellington South, 6242, New Zealand. Debbie.williamson@esr.cri.nz.
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Williamson
authors.forename: Stephen R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Ritchie
authors.forename: Emma
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Best
authors.forename: Arlo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Upton
authors.forename: Alison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Leversha
authors.forename: Alesha
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Mark G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Thomas
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D024901:Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial; D005672:Fusidic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D055624:Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus; D016712:Mupirocin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D009520:New Zealand
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D005672:Fusidic Acid; D016712:Mupirocin