The past half-century has witnessed the revolutionary development of antimicrobials and their ability to prevent and cure diseases that once devastated entire populations. However, the inappropriate use of these miracle drugs is rapidly degrading our antibiotic arsenal.
The rise in resistance to penicillin and other classes of antibiotics is likely to be due principally to selection from exposure to antibacterial agents. Current penicillin resistance rates in Streptococcus pneumoniae in Michigan range from 20 to 40%. A major to contributor to the rise in resistance is the use of antibiotics in treating outpatients for respiratory tract infections. Ironically, the majority of upper respiratory tract infections (URIs), including the common cold, acute bronchitis, and many cases of otitis media, are caused by viruses and therefore are not responsive to antibiotic therapy. CDC has estimated that more than 50% of antibiotics used for treating upper respiratory tract infections are unnecessary yet still exert selective pressure that facilitates the increase in prevalence of antibiotic resistant S. pneumoniae.
In Michigan, the growing crisis of antibiotic resistance is being addressed by The Michigan Antibiotic Resistance Reduction (MARR) Coalition. Over 65 Michigan organizations have convened to combat antimicrobial resistance through educational interventions, scientific research, and promotion of immunization therapy. This paper will describe the organization and structure of MARR as well as the approaches that are being utilized in Michigan to preserve our antibiotic lifeline.
See www.mi-marr.org, www.cdc.govLearning Objectives: Observers of this session will be able to: Describe approaches for addressing inappropriate use of antibiotics for URIS. Identify educational interventions that can be utilized for improving appropriate use of antibiotics.
Keywords: Antibiotic Resistance,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Michigan Antibiotic Resistance Reduction Coalition
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.