Reported February 14, 2007

Be Careful With Antibiotics

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Researchers report overuse and inappropriate use of antibiotics is causing bacteria to grow resistant to medications, which makes the danger of patients developing treatment-resistant infections more likely.

Researchers in Belgium wanted to know if using antibiotics could truly cause bacteria to develop resistance. Previous studies have suggested antibiotics and resistance are related, but have not established a cause and effect relationship between the two.

Study participants took one of two different types of antibiotics. Researchers measured the proportion of antibiotic-resistant, yet harmless, bacteria in their mouths before and after treatment. Patients in both medication groups had significantly more resistant bacteria in their mouths after taking the antibiotics than study participants who did not take an antibiotic. Furthermore, the resistant bacteria could still be found in the mouth for more than 180 days.

Study authors conclude the use of antibiotics is the single most important cause of the emergence of resistant bacteria. They suggest physicians carefully consider the side effects of antibiotics before prescribing them to their patients.

This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, which offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, click on: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.

SOURCE: The Lancet, 2007;369:482-490

Related Articles in Archives: Antibiotic Resistance White Paper Unnecessary Illness: Four Steps to Save Patients' Lives -- Full-Length Doctor's Interview Keeping Young Ears Healthy -- Full-Length Doctor's Interview All Medicine is Not for Women Avoiding Unnecessary Diabetic Complications Antibiotics for Autism -- Full-Length Doctor's Interview Smelling out Sinusitis -- Full-Length Doctor's Interview

[ Back to General Health Channel Home ]

http://www.ivanhoe.com/channels/p_channelstory.cfm?storyid=15523