The crisis of antibiotic misuse
                     The 
crisis of antibiotic misuse
Antibiotic misuse is a significant public health concern and economic 
burden worldwide. Misuse relates both to overuse when treating a 
non-bacterial disease, such as a viral infection for which antibiotics 
are ineffective, and to underuse in cases of bacterial disease for 
which antibiotic treatment was delayed or not given and would have 
benefited the patient.
The crisis of antibiotic misuse
Antibiotic overuse is a common phenomenon, with global overuse 
rate estimated at 40-70%. For example, according to the US 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 80 million 
antibiotic prescriptions are given in the US annually at the 
outpatient setting to treat viral infections, for which they are 
ineffective and inappropriate. Over-prescription of unnecessary 
antibiotics may cause adverse events such as allergic reactions, 
antibiotic-associated diarrhea, intestinal yeast infection, etc. These 
preventable adverse events negatively impact patient care and are 
typically associated with prolonged hospital stay. Antibiotic 
overuse is also driving the emergence of multi-drug resistant 
bacteria–one of the biggest healthcare problems of our time.
The crisis of antibiotic misuse
The crisis of antibiotic misuse
Antibiotic underuse may lead to prolonged disease 
duration and increased rate of disease-related 
complications, both of which may be avoided with 
prompt treatment of the bacterial infection. Underuse is 
fairly common. For example, up to 15% of adult patients 
hospitalized for bacterial pneumonia in the US receive 
delayed or no antibiotic treatments even though early 
treatment of bacterial pneumonia is known to save lives 
and reduce complications. 
The crisis of antibiotic misuse
Presently, a "watchful waiting" approach is being adopted 
in certain clinical situations in an attempt to reduce 
antibiotic overuse. Namely, antibiotics are prescribed 
only after a waiting period, during which the disease has 
not proved to be self-limiting. This approach is not 
without ramification as it may lead in some cases to 
antibiotic underuse and its associated hazardous 
consequences.
For more on antibiotic misuse please contact Me-me.com