THE VALUE OF NEW ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS

New antimicrobial agents require careful assessment to determine wheth er they possess the appropriate properties for clinical use. Many new compounds of value in the prophylaxis and therapy of infections have b een included in the current armamentarium. Close monitoring to identif y possible adverse effects of new agents is essential. Alternative use s of older agents also expands therapeutic opportunities in the combat against infectious diseases. Inappropriate use of antimicrobial agent s contributes to the worldwide problem of increasing bacterial resista nce. The dramatic spread of such bacterial strains is partially respon sible for the rising costs of infectious diseases. A rational and stri ct antibiotic policy is thus of great importance for the optimal use o f these agents.