Antibiotic resistance

Antibiotic resistance is an increasing problem in many parts of the world. Antibiotic resistance has been associated with the use of some antibiotics but not with others. Due to the overuse of antibiotics with a high resistance potential, there has been an increase of resistance with certain bacteria, e.g., Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus pneumoniae. This article discusses the antibiotics associated with a high resistance potential and those that are safe to use with a low resistance potential. Strategies for minimizing antibiotic resistance are discussed. (C) 1998 Prous Science. All rights reserved.