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Posted on 03.22.01
That Which Doesn't Kill Them Makes Them Strong: The Public-Health
Danger of Antibiotic Resistance
By Janet Weiner, MPH
National initiatives have been launched in the face of growing evidence that overuse of antibiotics is creating a new generation of bacteria that are resistant to existing medicines.
A recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that, in the U.S., the risk of developing certain infections resistant to at least three antibiotics rose from 9% in 1995 to 14% in 1998.
"These 'superbugs' are creating life-threatening conditions for patients with infections such as meningitis, tuberculosis, or pneumonia," according to Brian L. Strom, MD, MPH, director of the Penn CERTs, which focuses on drug use and resistance.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that about one-third of the 150 million prescriptions written for antibiotics each year are unnecessary, resulting in bacterial strains that become tougher than the antibiotics being used against them.
"Too many antibiotics are being prescribed needlessly for the common cold and other viral infections," Dr. Strom said.
In January 2001, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services unveiled an action plan to combat antibiotic resistance. It provides a blueprint for coordinated Federal action to address this emerging threat, including a national public-education campaign to reduce overuse and misuse of antibiotics, and clinical guidelines for health professionals. It also calls for increased surveillance, research, and product development to prevent and treat resistant infections.