Pathogens resistant to antimicrobial agents: epidemiology, molecular mechanisms, and clinical management

Keith S Kaye; John J Engemann; Henry S Fraimow; Elias Abrutyn

doi:10.1016/j.idc.2004.04.003

Pathogens resistant to antimicrobial agents: epidemiology, molecular mechanisms, and clinical management

Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2004 Sep;18(3):467-511, viii. doi: 10.1016/j.idc.2004.04.003.

Authors

Keith S Kaye¹, John J Engemann, Henry S Fraimow, Elias Abrutyn

Affiliation

¹ Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3152, Durham, NC 27710, USA. [email protected]

PMID: 15308273
DOI: 10.1016/j.idc.2004.04.003

Abstract

Resistance to antimicrobial drugs is increasing at an alarming rate among both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Traditionally, bacteria resistant to multiple antimicrobial agents have been restricted to the nosocomial environment. A disturbing trend has been the recent emergence and spread of resistant pathogens and resistance traits in nursing homes, the community, as well as in hospitals. This article reviews the epidemiology, molecular mechanisms of resistance, and treatment options for pathogens resistant to antimicrobial drugs.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
Bacteria / genetics*
Bacteria / pathogenicity
Bacterial Infections / drug therapy
Drug Resistance, Bacterial / genetics*
Drug Resistance, Bacterial / physiology
Humans

Substances

Anti-Bacterial Agents