Infectious diseasesAntibiotic resistance in the intensive care unitBaughman, Robert P. MD Author Information University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. Correspondence to Robert P. Baughman, MD, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Holmes Hospital, Eden Ave., MSB Room 1001, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0565, USA; e-mail: [email protected] Current Opinion in Critical Care: October 2002 - Volume 8 - Issue 5 - p 430-434 Buy Abstract The increase in antibiotic resistance over the past 10 years can be traced to several factors. This includes exogenous transmission of bacteria, usually by hospital personnel. The use of potent antibiotics also can select for resistant bacteria initially present in low quantities. Strategies to reduce antibiotic resistance can be tailored to specific outbreaks in a given ICU. General strategies for reducing antibiotic resistance, on the other hand, include varying the agents used in the ICU over time. Reduction of the duration of therapy may prove to be another method of reducing antibiotic resistance. © 2002 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.
