A BATTLE OF WILLS - ANTIBIOTICS AND BACTERIA LOCK HORNS IN A STRUGGLEFOR SURVIVAL

As broad-spectrum antibiotics are prescribed more widely in the United States, they have been strongly linked with increasing rates of antim icrobial resistance among clinically important bacterial pathogens. St udies investigating resistance mechanisms of Streptococcus pneumoniae and enterococci demonstrate transfer of genetic material by the bacter ia within susceptible hosts. A two-pronged strategy that includes a ne ver-ending search for new antimicrobials as well as controls on the us e of broad-spectrum antibiotics will be necessary to prevent an apocal yptic ''postantibiotic'' era.