Antimicrobial use and bacterial resistance

The current epidemic of bacterial resistance is attributed, in part, to the overuse of antibiotics. Recent studies have documented increases in resist ance with over-use of particular antibiotics and improvements in susceptibi lity when antibiotic use is controlled. The most effective means of improvi ng use of antibiotics is unknown. Comprehensive management programs directe d by multi-disciplinary teams, computer-assisted decision-making, and antib iotic cycling have been beneficial in controlling antibiotic use, decreasin g costs without impacting patient outcomes, and possibly decreasing resista nce.