Main description:

This publication provides a state-of-the-art overview of key issues related to antimicrobial resistance, including a focus on key pathogens causing common healthcare-associated and community-acquired infections. The epidemiology and therapeutic considerations of these antimicrobial resistant organisms are discussed, as well as the clinical and health economic impact of infections caused by them. This progressive reference also provides a dedicated section covering the clinical programmatic strategies used to minimize the growing antimicrobial resistance problem, including practical information related to interventional concepts and their implementation. In addition to antimicrobial resistance in the context of traditionally discussed problematic bacterial pathogens, emerging data related to clinically important fungal pathogens and Clostridium difficile are also covered.

Contents:

RESISTANCE CONCERNS FOR THE PRACTICING CLINICIAN: GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS. Measuring the Costs of Antimicrobial Resistance in Hospitals. Surveillance of Resistant Organisms: Whats to know? Role of New Drug Development in Combatting Resistance. Understanding Studies of Resistant Organisms: Focus on Methodologies. CONTEMPORARY ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE ISSUES. Gram positive. Staphylococcus aureus: Resistance Update and Treatment Options. Enterococci: Resistance Update and Treatment Options. Streptococcus pneumoniae: Resistance Update and Treatment Options. Gram negative. Enterobacteriaceae: Resistance Update and Treatment Options. Acinetobacter species: Resistance Update and Treatment Options. P. aeruginosa: Resistance Update and Treatment Options. Problematic Beta-lactamases (AMP C, ESBLs): An Update. Others. Clostridium difficile and Antimicrobial Resistance: An emerging epidemic. Emerging Resistance Among Fungal Pathogens: Trends and Treatment Considerations. Interventional Strategies to Combat Resistance. Empirical Therapy: Importance of Getting it Right up Front/Deescalation. Antimicrobial Cycling Strategies: Whats the Evidence? Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs. Computer Assisted Programs to Optimize Antimicrobial Use. Pharmacodynamic Optimization to Prevent Resistance. Short Course Antimicrobial Therapy. Use of Guidelines to Optimize Antimicrobial Use. Infection Control Strategies: Current Controversies and Solutions. Combination Antimicrobial Therapy: What is the Evidence? Strategies to Optimize the Outpatient Use of Antimicrobials