CDC has reported upon the importance of the emergence and subsequent control of the so called CRE (Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae) strain of drug resistant organisms. These organisms are now a major concern worldwide and the CDC reports that urgent action is needed to halt the spread of these organisms and indeed control them!
The HPA website reports that the Carbapenems such as imipenem, meropenem as well as ertapenem show the most consistent activity against have the most consistent activity against Enterobacteriaceae. These drugs are not inactivated by AmpC or extended-spectrum ß-lactamases which contrasts with the 3rd and 4th generation cephalosporins.
It is clear we need to closely monitor the development of this type of resistance and its subsequent spread. Strong prescribing diligence is a must to help preserve these drugs and their use.
In the UK, Antibiotic Action supported by the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy is taking a leading role in highlighting the Importance and indeed danger of losing effective antimicrobial therapy in general medicine. Indeed the WHO stated in 2009 that antimicrobial resistance is one of the greatest threats to human health - sadly this has not improved but actually worsened in the intervening time. We really do need to act and act now. As Margaret Chan from the WHO has stated, even current routine surgical procedures could become life threatening without the support of effective antibiotic treatment.
Please join Antibiotic Action and pledge your support (http://antibiotic-action.com/) - we need you!
Relevant articles;
http://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2013/p0305_deadly_bacteria.html
http://www.hpa.org.uk/webc/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1248854054416
No comments:
Post a Comment