Combating antimicrobial resistance: Intervention programs to promote appropriate antibiotic use

Antimicrobial resistance is one of the major public health threats of the next decade. Rising rates of pneumococcal resistance have already had a major impact on our ability to treat common infections, such as otitis media, sinusitis, and pneumonia. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infections contribute to this resistance. The CDC has therefore begun a national campaign to promote the appropriate use of antibiotics. Interventions across the country are attempting to reduce the spread of antibiotic resistance, improve physician prescribing practices, and modify patient behavior. It appears that these interventions are successfully reducing the inappropriate use of antibiotics.