Managing Antibiotic Resistance

Abstract

One hundred years ago, the three major causes of death in the United States were tuberculosis, pneumonia, and gastrointestinal infections. Subsequently, the advent of antibiotics resulted in a major decline in the incidence of life-threatening infections in the developed world. By the end of the 20th century, only lower respiratory tract infections still ranked among the top 10 causes of death. As we approach January 2001, however, the unforgiving rise in the frequency of multidrug resistance among leading pathogens should cause great concern and incite a commitment to act responsibly.The pneumococcus is arguably the most important cause of community-acquired . . .