Antimicrobial Drug Use and Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
2008
Antimicrobial Drug Use and Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
publication
Author Information
Author(s): Bellissimo-Rodrigues Fernando
Primary Institution: Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
Hypothesis
Antimicrobial drug use is linked to antibiotic resistance, but may also favor the cross-transmission of preexisting antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Conclusion
Antimicrobial drug use is not an independent risk factor for antibiotic resistance but is related to the presence of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms in the environment.
Supporting Evidence
- Antimicrobial drug use has been historically linked to antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
- Healthcare workers often do not follow hand hygiene protocols, which can contribute to the spread of resistant bacteria.
- Studies have shown that compliance with hand hygiene is associated with lower levels of antibiotic resistance.
Takeaway
Using antibiotics can help bacteria become resistant, but it’s also important to keep in mind that germs can spread from one person to another, especially if doctors and nurses don’t wash their hands.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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