Antibiotic resistance crisis: challenges and imperatives

Antibiotic resistance is one of the greatest worldwide challenges to modern medicine, and society at large, and one of the least appreciated by practitioners and the lay community. Many strains of multi-drug resistant bacteria such as methicillin and vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and multi-drug resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis continue to plague both developed and underdeveloped countries alike. Collectively over 700,000 deaths occur annually as a consequence of infections from antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Presently, many scientists and clinicians seek to find solutions to this ever-growing crisis. Today, the most common causes of hospital-acquired and multi-drug resistant infections are the ESKAPE group of bacteria (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp.), six genera and species with a host of mechanisms to survive against even extremely potent antibiotics. Limited research currently focuses on discovering or developing novel compounds that will hopefully turn the tide and tackle the problem of resistance, but significant changes in healthcare and consumer practices will be necessary as well, to successfully address this dilemma. This review provides a status report on a rather silent global crisis.

Automated summary

Antibiotic resistance is a major global challenge in modern medicine and society, causing over 700,000 deaths annually. Solutions to this crisis require not only the development of novel compounds, but also significant changes in healthcare and consumer practices.