Principles of antimicrobial therapy: what should we be using?

This research paper explores the issues related to antimicrobial use, particularly discussing its disadvantages such as antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial-induced diarrhea. The paper highlights the need for careful consideration in administering antimicrobial treatments in human and veterinary medicine.

Problems with Antimicrobial Use

• The study opens by acknowledging the immense impact of antimicrobials in preventing mortality and morbidity among patients. However, it also presents the escalating issues associated with their use, such as antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial-induced diarrhea, which are becoming increasingly prevalent in both human and veterinary medicine.

Impacts on Human Patients

• The mortality rate resulting from nosocomial (hospital-acquired) infections with antimicrobial-resistant bacteria among human patients is highlighted as alarmingly high. The paper emphasizes the severe problems caused by the misuse of antimicrobials.

Impacts on Veterinary Medicine

• The paper draws specific attention to the negative impacts of antimicrobial misuse in veterinary medicine. High morbidity, high treatment costs, and most notably, the devastating effects of antimicrobial-induced diarrhea in equine practices are highlighted as significant problems in this area.

Responsibility of Clinicians

• The study stresses that clinicians in both human and veterinary medicine have a responsibility to reconsider the appropriateness of their antimicrobial usage. It suggests that, when possible, these professionals should aim to minimize the administration of antimicrobials to their patients to mitigate the negative impacts discussed.