Multi-Faceted Approach to Antibiotic Resistance

Resistance to antibiotics has be a growing issue for years.  Strains of bacteria have become resistant to antibiotics because of improper use and abuse.  The American Medical Association and the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Health of the Energy and Commerce Committee have outlined a multi-faceted approach to fight against antibiotic resistance. This approach includes reducing the inappropriate use of existing antibiotics to preserve their effectiveness, incentivizing research and development to create novel antibiotics for clinical use, and developing and implementing alternative interventions to reduce dependence on antibiotics.  

Sandra Fryhofer, M.D., a member of the AMA Council on Science and Public Health, states 'It is critical we manage the problem of resistance collaboratively across all health care professions and settings and consider all possible areas for intervention.'  Dr. Fryhofer also mentioned that while improvements have been made, attentiveness and eduction to ensure proper use among patients, appropriate prescribing practices and improved recognition of resistance development need to remain continuous. 

To read the full article, visit AMA.