Conference Interview #8 of 12
Role of physicians in antimicrobial resistance
Sarah Anwar, MDLinx
Iselin, New Jersey, United States | November 13-14, 2017
Antimicrobial resistance is a growing threat, and many factors contribute to the rise of such pathogens. According to Dr. Weiss, the best way to slow down this process “is to really understand the infection the patient has, whether it needs an antibiotic, or whether you’re prescribing the right antibiotic,” especially in patients at high risk for such infections.
Empiric therapy, while sometimes necessary, said Dr. Weiss, can result in the incorrect prescribing of antibiotics. To avoid this, Dr. Weiss recommended starting treatment “with a broad-spectrum agent until you know what the organism is,” and then switching to one with a narrow spectrum.
Finally, rapid diagnostic testing can also help physicians avoid prescribing unnecessary antibiotics, said Dr. Weiss.
From this Conference
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0:33Developing new antibioticsIselin, NJ, November 13, 2017--The development of new antibiotics is paramount to the functioning of modern medicine as we know it, said John H. Rex, MD, FACP, chief medical...
John H. Rex, MD, FACP
This activity is neither sanctioned by, nor a part of the SMi group's annual meeting.
