pill spill

The British Medical Journal takes on antibiotic resistance. Far too many multi-drug resistant bacteria are appearing.

“Nothing less than the future of medicine, from organ transplants to chemotherapy, is at stake, and there will be no second chances.”

Editorials: Tackling antibiotic resistance
Research: Effect of antibiotic prescribing on antimicrobial resistance
Analysis: Stoking the antibiotic pipeline

They found strong evidence that individuals prescribed an antibiotic in primary care for a respiratory or urinary infection develop a resistance. The effect is greatest in the month immediately after treatment, but may last for up to a year, and this residual effect may be a driver for high levels of resistance in the community.