Reasons for Antibiotic Resistance Vary

Suggesting that antibiotic resistance primarily stems from antibiotic abuse or misuse doesn't accurately tell the whole story, according to a report by the American Academy of Microbiology (AAM). The group says even appropriate antibiotic use has, among other causes, contributed to the spread of resistance, underscoring the complexity of explaining its causes.

"There are no scapegoats," stated the report, "Antibiotic Resistance: An Ecological Perspective on an Old Problem," which is based on a colloquium convened by AAM in October 2008. "Responsibility is partly due to medical practice, including patient demand, veterinary practice, industrial practices, politics, and antibiotics themselves. Ultimately, resistance development is founded in the inevitability of microbial evolution."

The report states further that antibiotic resistance is essentially uncontrollable. Nonetheless, the colloquium stressed the importance of "deliberate efforts" to contain and minimize transmission of resistant organisms as well as antibiotic use.

"Antibiotic resistance is an international pandemic that compromises the treatment of all infectious diseases," the report stated.

To view the entire report, go to http://academy.asm.org/main/option/com_content/amp;task/view/amp;id/296/amp;Itemid/66. Reprinted from meatingplace.com