Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
7.3
4.3
Journals
Antibiotics
Special Issues
Antimicrobial Prescribing, Population Use and Resistance, Impact in Global Health,...
share announcement

Antimicrobial Prescribing, Population Use and Resistance, Impact in Global Health, 2nd Edition

A special issue of Antibiotics (ISSN 2079-6382). This special issue belongs to the section "Antibiotics Use and Antimicrobial Stewardship".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2025 | Viewed by 15211

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Juan Manuel Vázquez-Lago

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Interests: interventions in public health; active aging; care in chronic diseases; food and nutrition; antibiotics and bacterial resistance; community nursing; health research; epidemiology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Ana Estany-Gestal

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Interests: clinic epidemiology; public health; methodology; biostatistics; bioethics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Angel Salgado-Barreira

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Departament of Psychiatry, Radiology, Public Health, Nursing and Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15702 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Interests: pharmacology; public health; vaccines; methodology; ecological studies
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The first volume of the Special Issue “Antimicrobial Prescribing, Population Use and Resistance, Impact in Global Health” was published last year. It was a great success and published nine papers, thus encouraging us to open a second volume on the same topic.

As a continuation of the Special Issue published in 2022, this second volume will address various public health strategies and interventions, as well as the application of innovations in the management of antibiotics at the hospital level in order to reduce the rate of antimicrobial resistance in the future. This Special Issue welcomes original research papers, reviews, qualitative research, and perspectives.

Potential topics for this Special Issue include, but are not limited to, the following:

  1. Novel methods for the promotion of appropriate antibiotic utilization;
  2. Influence of antimicrobial utilization changes on antimicrobial resistance;
  3. Antimicrobial utilization in special populations (e.g., paediatrics, geriatrics, emergency medicine, chronic diseases at the primary care level…);
  4. Knowledge, attitudes and practice regarding antibiotics utilization and antimicrobial resistance in the public and/or healthcare workers;
  5. New strategies to reduce antimicrobial resistances in hospitalized patients;
  6. New approaches to public health interventions for the improvement of antibiotic utilization;
  7. Risk-stratified approaches to treating common infections in hospitalized patients.

Dr. Juan Manuel Vázquez-Lago
Dr. Ana Estany-Gestal
Dr. Angel Salgado-Barreira
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Antibiotics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • epidemiology
  • social behavior
  • antibiotic resistance
  • social factors
  • attitudes
  • knowledge
  • practice
  • qualitative research
  • public health interventions
  • antibiotic prescription
  • community care

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (11 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

15 pages, 1311 KiB  
Article
In Vitro Activity of Imipenem/Relebactam Alone and in Combination Against Cystic Fibrosis Isolates of Mycobacterium abscessus
by Madeline Sanders, Sun Woo Kim, Aditi Shinde, Danielle Fletcher-Williams, Eric Quach and Paul Beringer
Antibiotics 2025, 14(5), 486; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics14050486 - 10 May 2025
Viewed by 217
Abstract
Background: Mycobacterium abscessus (MABS) is an opportunistic pathogen that causes chronic, difficult-to-treat pulmonary infections, particularly in people with cystic fibrosis (PwCF), leading to rapid lung function decline and increased morbidity and mortality. Treatment is particularly challenging due to the pathogen’s resistance mechanisms and [...] Read more.
Background: Mycobacterium abscessus (MABS) is an opportunistic pathogen that causes chronic, difficult-to-treat pulmonary infections, particularly in people with cystic fibrosis (PwCF), leading to rapid lung function decline and increased morbidity and mortality. Treatment is particularly challenging due to the pathogen’s resistance mechanisms and the need for prolonged multidrug therapy, which is characterized by poor clinical outcomes and highlights the urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies. Imipenem/relebactam, a novel β-lactam-β-lactamase inhibitor combination, demonstrates in vitro activity against resistant MABS strains and effective pulmonary penetration. Prior research indicates synergistic activity of imipenem with various antibiotics against M. abscessus. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the in vitro activity of imipenem/relebactam, alone and in combination with various antibiotics, against MABS clinical isolates from PwCF (n = 28). Methods: Susceptibility and synergy were assessed using broth microdilution and checkerboard assays. Extracellular time-kill assays were performed to evaluate the bactericidal activity of synergistic three-drug combinations containing imipenem/relebactam. Results: Imipenem/relebactam demonstrated potent in vitro activity against clinical MABS isolates, exhibiting substantial synergy with cefuroxime, cefdinir, amoxicillin, and cefoxitin. Rifabutin, azithromycin, moxifloxacin, clofazimine, and minocycline also demonstrated additive effects with imipenem/relebactam. Extracellular time-kill assays identified imipenem/relebactam + cefoxitin + rifabutin and imipenem/relebactam + cefoxitin + moxifloxacin as the most effective combinations. Conclusions: These findings suggest that imipenem/relebactam may offer a significant advancement in the management of MABS infections in PwCF. The promising efficacy of multidrug regimens combining imipenem/relebactam with agents like cefoxitin, azithromycin, moxifloxacin, clofazimine, and rifabutin highlights potential therapeutic strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Prescribing, Population Use and Resistance, Impact in Global Health, 2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 1096 KiB  
Article
Association Between Antimicrobials and Pump Proton Inhibitors Consumption with the Incidence of Nosocomial Clostridiodes difficile Infection in High Complexity Hospitals in Costa Rica
by Cristina Fernández-Barrantes, Allan Ramos-Esquivel, Luis Esteban Hernández-Soto, Manuel Ramírez-Cardoce, Luis David Garro-Zamora, José Castro Cordero and Santiago Grau
Antibiotics 2025, 14(4), 350; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics14040350 - 28 Mar 2025
Viewed by 468
Abstract
Background: Exposure to antimicrobials and Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) are modifiable risk factors for nosocomial Clostridiodes difficile infection (CDI). We investigated the association between these agents and nosocomial CDI over five years. Methods: Nosocomial CDI from January 2017 to December 2021 [...] Read more.
Background: Exposure to antimicrobials and Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) are modifiable risk factors for nosocomial Clostridiodes difficile infection (CDI). We investigated the association between these agents and nosocomial CDI over five years. Methods: Nosocomial CDI from January 2017 to December 2021 were included. Consumption trends were analyzed using a simple linear regression model. A correlation analysis was performed using Spearman’s test in two ways: without a time interval and with 1-month interval matching. An interrupted time-series method to evaluate the impact of three key temporal breakpoints on CDI incidence rate was performed using the Poisson regression model. Results: A downward trend for cephalexin, ceftriaxone, clindamycin, gentamicin, macrolides, metronidazole, and penicillin sodium was identified. In contrast, an upward trend was recognized for amoxicillin, ceftazidime/avibactam, ertapenem, fluconazole, ketoconazole, levofloxacin, and tigecycline. Among the antimicrobials that showed a positive association between consumption and the incidence of CDI are clindamycin and cephalosporins after immediate consumption. Moreover, macrolides and metronidazole presented a positive correlation, in both immediate and delayed consumption. PPIs consumption did not show changes and was not associated with nosocomial CDI incidence. The interrupted time series analysis showed no changes at the breakpoints selected. Conclusions: Consumption of clindamycin, cephalosporins, and macrolides showed positive association with CDI, despite having a downtrend in consumption. Specific events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the implementation of ASP, have had no correlation with CDI. Further analysis is required in Latin America to advance our understanding of risk factors associated with CDI. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Prescribing, Population Use and Resistance, Impact in Global Health, 2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 265 KiB  
Article
Monitoring of Antibiotic Resistance Patterns Within Al-Karak Governmental Hospital, Jordan, in 2022
by Amin A. Aqel, Tala M. Al-Matarneh, Tayf K. Al-Tarawneh, Tahrir Alnawayseh, Mohammed Alsbou and Yasser Gaber
Antibiotics 2024, 13(12), 1172; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13121172 - 4 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1221
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance is considered one of the foremost global public health challenges, and its prevalence is increasing. In Jordan, particularly in Al-Karak Governorate, there is a lack of sufficient data on antimicrobial resistance to make accurate assessments. The main aim of [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance is considered one of the foremost global public health challenges, and its prevalence is increasing. In Jordan, particularly in Al-Karak Governorate, there is a lack of sufficient data on antimicrobial resistance to make accurate assessments. The main aim of the current study was to evaluate antibiotic resistance trends in clinical specimens from 2022 and assess antibiotic resistance patterns. The emphasis on the WHO antibiotic classification as Access, Watch, and Reserved (AWaRe) was adopted in the current study. Results: Among Gram-positive bacteria, Enterococcus faecalis exhibited 100% susceptibility to nitrofurantoin and 96% to vancomycin, Streptococcus viridans exhibited 100% susceptibility to teicoplanin, while CoNS (coagulase-negative Staphylococci) showed moderate resistance to Trimethoprim + Sulfamethoxazole (63%) and clindamycin (47%). Among Gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae displayed high susceptibility to fosfomycin (E. coli: 95%, K. pneumoniae: 80%) and amikacin (E. coli: 93%, K. pneumoniae: 81%). Resistance was notable for trimethoprim + sulfamethoxazole (E. coli: 47%, K. pneumoniae: 53%) and nitrofurantoin (K. pneumoniae: 30%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibited the highest proportion of XDR strains (15%), followed by K. pneumoniae (11%) and E. coli (4%), while PDR strains were found in P. aeruginosa (6%), K. pneumoniae (3%), and E. coli (0.6%). XDR was observed in 4% of CoNS and 3% of S. viridans (α), with Staphylococcus aureus exhibiting both XDR and PDR at 1%. Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective study of bacterial species and their antimicrobial susceptibility was carried out at a hospital in Al Karak, Jordan, from January to December of 2022, the study included 1187 isolates from all locations in Al-Karak Governmental Hospital. Conclusions: The significant prevalence of XDR and PDR strains in key pathogens, particularly P. aeruginosa and K. pneumoniae, underscores the need for a robust Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (ASP) and infection control measures at Al-Karak Governmental Hospital. High susceptibility in several Access group antibiotics (e.g., amikacin and nitrofurantoin) supports their prioritization in empirical therapy, while the emergence of resistance in Watch and Reserved antibiotics highlights the necessity for rational use. These findings are very important for adjusting the local strategies to lower the spread of resistant strains and improve clinical outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Prescribing, Population Use and Resistance, Impact in Global Health, 2nd Edition)
15 pages, 1057 KiB  
Article
Accelerated Bacterial Identification with MALDI-TOF MS Leads to Fewer Diagnostic Tests and Cost Savings
by Miriam Uzuriaga, Francisco Guillén-Grima, Marta Rua, José Leiva and José R. Yuste
Antibiotics 2024, 13(12), 1163; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13121163 - 2 Dec 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1785
Abstract
Introduction: Rapid microbiology reporting can enhance both clinical and economic outcomes. Material and Methods: This three-year, quasi-experimental study, single-group pretest–posttest study, conducted at a university medical center, aimed to evaluate the clinical and economic impact of rapid microbiological identification reporting using MALDI-TOF MS. [...] Read more.
Introduction: Rapid microbiology reporting can enhance both clinical and economic outcomes. Material and Methods: This three-year, quasi-experimental study, single-group pretest–posttest study, conducted at a university medical center, aimed to evaluate the clinical and economic impact of rapid microbiological identification reporting using MALDI-TOF MS. A total of 363 consecutive hospitalized patients with bacterial infections were evaluated, comparing a historical control group (CG, n = 183) with an intervention group (IG, n = 180). In the CG, microbiological information (bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility) was provided between 18:00 and 22:00 h, while in the IG, bacterial identification was reported between 12:00 and 14:00 h, and antibiotic susceptibility was reported between 18:00 and 22:00 h. Results: The IG demonstrated a significant reduction in the number of patients undergoing Microbiology (p = 0.01), Biochemistry (p = 0.05), C-Reactive Protein (p = 0.02), Radiological Tests (p = 0.05), Computed Tomography Tests (p = 0.04), and Pathology (p = 0.01). However, no statistically significant reduction was observed in economic costs related to microbiological testing (p = 0.76) or antibiotic consumption (p = 0.59). The timely reporting of microbiological identification to clinicians resulted in fewer patients undergoing additional diagnostic tests, ultimately contributing to reduced healthcare resource utilization without adversely affecting clinical outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Prescribing, Population Use and Resistance, Impact in Global Health, 2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 570 KiB  
Article
Pre- and Post-COVID-19 Antibiotic Consumption and Stewardship Program in a Southern Italian Hospital
by Maria Costantino, Valentina Giudice, Federica Campana, Alessandra Anna Iannelli, Pasqualina Scala, Walter Longanella, Francesco Marongiu, Emilia Anna Vozzella, Maria Giovanna Elberti, Maria Alfieri, Giovanni Boccia, Valeria Conti, Francesco De Caro and Amelia Filippelli
Antibiotics 2024, 13(12), 1128; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13121128 - 24 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1303
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Antibiotic resistance is a growing global threat that significantly impacts public health and healthcare costs. The Italian National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (PNCAR) was introduced in 2017 to address this issue by improving antibiotic stewardship. This study aimed to evaluate the [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Antibiotic resistance is a growing global threat that significantly impacts public health and healthcare costs. The Italian National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (PNCAR) was introduced in 2017 to address this issue by improving antibiotic stewardship. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the PNCAR in enhancing antibiotic management practices in a hospital in southern Italy before and after its implementation. Methods: We conducted an observational monocentric study to analyze antibiotic consumption in a hospital setting before and after the COVID-19 pandemic (2019 and 2023) and to examine prescription appropriateness and the types of used antibiotics. Results: After PNCAR introduction, we recorded a significant increase in antibiotic prescription appropriateness and in Access antibiotic and targeted therapy usage, while Reserve antibiotics were prescribed in ~10% of the cases, with an increasing trend in 2023. Conclusions: Our study supports the importance of targeted stewardship initiatives, including continuous monitoring and education, to sustain antibiotic prescription appropriateness and to reduce antimicrobial resistance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Prescribing, Population Use and Resistance, Impact in Global Health, 2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 772 KiB  
Article
Assessing the Reliability and Validity of a Questionnaire Evaluating Medical Students’ Attitudes, Knowledge, and Perceptions of Antibiotic Education and Antimicrobial Resistance in University Training
by Olalla Vázquez-Cancela, Guillermo Lens-Perol, Marta Mascareñas-Garcia, Magdalena Santana-Armas and Juan Manuel Vazquez-Lago
Antibiotics 2024, 13(12), 1126; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13121126 - 23 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1317
Abstract
The misuse and overuse of antibiotics represent a critical global issue and one of the most pressing public health challenges of the 21st century. Training future healthcare professionals effectively is essential for ensuring responsible antibiotic use. This study aimed to validate a questionnaire [...] Read more.
The misuse and overuse of antibiotics represent a critical global issue and one of the most pressing public health challenges of the 21st century. Training future healthcare professionals effectively is essential for ensuring responsible antibiotic use. This study aimed to validate a questionnaire designed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of medical students regarding the education they receive on infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and antibiotic stewardship during their university studies. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was developed and distributed to medical students at the University of Santiago de Compostela. Comprising 44 items, the questionnaire assessed eight key dimensions: “infection diagnosis”, “criteria for not prescribing antibiotics”, “initial antibiotic therapy”, “re-evaluation of therapy”, “quality of care”, “communication skills”, “antibiotic resistance”, and “teaching methodology”. Validation was carried out in two stages: Phase 1 involved content and face validity, while Phase 2 focused on reliability analysis. Results: A total of 295 students completed the questionnaire, with a mean age of 23.15 ± 1.78 years. The sample included 86 male (29.2%) and 209 female (70.8%) respondents. Content and face validity were established by a nominal group of five experts and a focus group of medicine and pharmacy students to ensure consensus on item understanding in the Spanish language. The questionnaire demonstrated high internal consistency with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.92 and satisfactory item discrimination. Construct validity was confirmed through principal component analysis, which supported the presence of the eight predefined dimensions. Conclusions: The validated questionnaire exhibited strong reliability and validity, making it a valuable tool for assessing medical students’ training in antibiotic-related topics. Its application will enable the identification of areas for improvement in university curricula, ultimately contributing to the promotion of appropriate antibiotic use and the reduction of antimicrobial resistance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Prescribing, Population Use and Resistance, Impact in Global Health, 2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

8 pages, 355 KiB  
Article
Self-Reported Antibiotics Usage, Allergies and Resistance of Albanian Patients from a Dental Perspective: A Preliminary Questionnaire-Based Survey
by Blerina Zeza, Nisrina Kraja, Valbona Disha, Erdita Cenameri and Esat Bardhoshi
Antibiotics 2024, 13(11), 1057; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13111057 - 7 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1207
Abstract
Objectives: The paper aims to assess the level of antibiotic use and the antibiotic types used generally in dentistry and identify self-reported allergies and resistance related to them. Methods: The data were collected between March and May 2024 via an electronic questionnaire on [...] Read more.
Objectives: The paper aims to assess the level of antibiotic use and the antibiotic types used generally in dentistry and identify self-reported allergies and resistance related to them. Methods: The data were collected between March and May 2024 via an electronic questionnaire on self-reported antibiotic usage, antibiotic allergies and resistances among individual in Albania. Results: A total of 477 individuals (83% females, 17% males) with a mean 33 ± 13 (min 17; max 73) years of age completed the questionnaire. Overall, 88% of the population reported having used antibiotics before the questionnaire, among whom 56% used them for dental reasons. An average of 5% reported being allergic, mainly to the penicillin group, while 5% claimed to have undergone an antibiogram analysis before taking the prescribed antibiotics, with most of them showing resistance to the penicillin group. Conclusions: Based on the findings of this study, the high prevalence of antibiotics usage in dentistry encourages further deepening studies and training adapting global guidelines for antibiotics indications in dentistry to the level of antibiotics allergies and resistances of this specific country. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Prescribing, Population Use and Resistance, Impact in Global Health, 2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 277 KiB  
Article
The Use of Ceftazidime–Avibactam in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit—An Observational Prospective Study
by Raquel García Romero, Elena Fresán-Ruiz, Carmina Guitart, Sara Bobillo-Perez and Iolanda Jordan
Antibiotics 2024, 13(11), 1037; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13111037 - 3 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1394
Abstract
Background/objectives: Infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) are progressively increasing in Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICUs). Its treatment is challenging due to the lack of pediatric trials. CRE infections are associated with significantly poor outcomes, but ceftazidime–avibactam (CAZ-AVI) has been reported to be [...] Read more.
Background/objectives: Infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) are progressively increasing in Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICUs). Its treatment is challenging due to the lack of pediatric trials. CRE infections are associated with significantly poor outcomes, but ceftazidime–avibactam (CAZ-AVI) has been reported to be successful in their treatment. This study aimed to describe the use and outcome of CAZ-AVI in a PICU. Results: Ten patients were included, with 12 episodes of clinical suspicion or confirmed multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections treated with CAZ-AVI for surgical prophylaxis, suspicion of sepsis, pneumonia, and surgical wound infection. Of these patients, 80% received empirical treatment because of previous MDR bacterial colonization, and 60% were administrated combination therapy with aztreonam for Metallo-β-Lactamases (MBL)strains. No bacteria were resistant to CAZ-AVI. The average duration of the treatment was 3 days when cultures turned negative and 7 days when MDR bacteria were isolated. Methods: This was an observational prospective study of children treated with CAZ-AVI in the PICU of a tertiary hospital in 2022. Epidemiological, clinical, microbiological, and outcome data were collected. Conclusions: The most frequent use of CAZ-AVI in our PICU was the short-term empirical treatment for patients with previous MDR bacterial colonization and clinical suspicion of bacteremia or sepsis. Furthermore, the combination of CAZ-AVI plus aztreonam could be more effective for CRE infections, especially type Ambler class B as MBL strains. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Prescribing, Population Use and Resistance, Impact in Global Health, 2nd Edition)
17 pages, 491 KiB  
Article
Validity and Reliability of a Questionnaire on Attitudes, Knowledge, and Perceptions of Pharmacy Students Regarding the Training Received on Antibiotics and Antimicrobial Resistance during Their University Studies
by Patricia Otero-Batán, Guillermo Lens-Perol, Olalla Vázquez-Cancela, Angel Salgado-Barreira and Juan Manuel Vazquez-Lago
Antibiotics 2024, 13(9), 811; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13090811 - 26 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1506
Abstract
Background: Antimicrobial resistance is a major public health issue today. Therefore, it is essential to focus on the education of pharmacists as future dispensers. The objective of this study was to validate a questionnaire that assesses the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of pharmacy [...] Read more.
Background: Antimicrobial resistance is a major public health issue today. Therefore, it is essential to focus on the education of pharmacists as future dispensers. The objective of this study was to validate a questionnaire that assesses the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of pharmacy students regarding the education received during their university degree on the use and dispensation of antibiotics, as well as bacterial resistance. Methods: An online questionnaire was developed and distributed via RedCap v.13.7.1 to pharmacy students at the University of Santiago de Compostela using the WhatsApp social network. The questionnaire consisted of 28 items evaluating 5 dimensions: “quality of care”, “communication skills”, “antibiotic resistance”, “teaching methodology”, and “education on antibiotics at the faculty”. The questionnaire validation was conducted in 2 steps: Step 1 involved content and appearance validation, and Step 2 involved reliability analysis. Results: A total of 61 completed questionnaires were received. The mean age was 21.82 ± 3.81 years, with 20 males (32.8%) and 41 females (67.2%). Content validation was performed through a nominal group of 5 experts, and appearance validation was conducted by a focus group of 6 university pharmacy students. The questionnaire demonstrated a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.80 and adequate item discrimination capability. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed to assess construct validity, confirming the 5 predefined dimensions. Conclusions: A questionnaire has been developed and validated with high reliability and validity. Its use will help identify areas for improvement in the university education of pharmacy students, ultimately contributing to better use and dispensation of antibiotics and thereby improving antimicrobial resistance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Prescribing, Population Use and Resistance, Impact in Global Health, 2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 428 KiB  
Article
Efficacy and Safety of Oral Neomycin for the Decolonization of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacterales: An Open-Label Randomized Controlled Trial
by Lalita Tancharoen, Ananya Srisomnuek, Surapee Tiengrim, Narisara Thamthaweechok, Teerawit Tangkorskul and Visanu Thamlikitkul
Antibiotics 2024, 13(8), 781; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13080781 - 20 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1552
Abstract
Background: Patients with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are at risk for subsequent infections and transmission, necessitating contact precautions. Neomycin has shown in vitro activity against CRE in 66–85% of isolates. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of neomycin [...] Read more.
Background: Patients with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are at risk for subsequent infections and transmission, necessitating contact precautions. Neomycin has shown in vitro activity against CRE in 66–85% of isolates. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of neomycin for CRE decolonization. Methods: In this open-label randomized controlled trial, stool/rectal swab samples from high-risk patients were collected and tested for CRE colonization in the GI tract. Patients who had CRE and met eligible criteria were divided into a neomycin group (n = 26; treated with 4.2 g/day neomycin for 5 days) and a control group (n = 26). CRE detection in stool/rectal swabs was performed on days 7 ± 2 and 14 ± 2. Results: The two groups’ baseline characteristics were similar. CRE presence on day 7 ± 2 was significantly lower in the neomycin group (46.2%) than in the control group (80.8%, p = 0.01). Efficacy of neomycin (4.2 g/day for 5 days) for CRE decolonization was 42.8–53.8% by day 7. By day 14 ± 2, the CRE rate in the neomycin group had risen to align with the control group’s rate (73.1% vs. 61.5%, p = 0.56). The neomycin group experienced mild, temporary, gastrointestinal side-effects. Conclusions: Neomycin effectively reduced CRE colonization on day 7 ± 2, but its impact waned by day 14 ± 2. This suggests that neomycin dosage was too low and the duration of treatment was too short for lasting CRE decolonization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Prescribing, Population Use and Resistance, Impact in Global Health, 2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

26 pages, 451 KiB  
Review
New Agents Are Coming, and So Is the Resistance
by J. Myles Keck, Alina Viteri, Jacob Schultz, Rebecca Fong, Charles Whitman, Madeline Poush and Marlee Martin
Antibiotics 2024, 13(7), 648; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13070648 - 13 Jul 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2475
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a global threat that requires urgent attention to slow the spread of resistant pathogens. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has emphasized clinician-driven antimicrobial stewardship approaches including the reporting and proper documentation of antimicrobial usage and [...] Read more.
Antimicrobial resistance is a global threat that requires urgent attention to slow the spread of resistant pathogens. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has emphasized clinician-driven antimicrobial stewardship approaches including the reporting and proper documentation of antimicrobial usage and resistance. Additional efforts have targeted the development of new antimicrobial agents, but narrow profit margins have hindered manufacturers from investing in novel antimicrobials for clinical use and therefore the production of new antibiotics has decreased. In order to combat this, both antimicrobial drug discovery processes and healthcare reimbursement programs must be improved. Without action, this poses a high probability to culminate in a deadly post-antibiotic era. This review will highlight some of the global health challenges faced both today and in the future. Furthermore, the new Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) guidelines for resistant Gram-negative pathogens will be discussed. This includes new antimicrobial agents which have gained or are likely to gain FDA approval. Emphasis will be placed on which human pathogens each of these agents cover, as well as how these new agents could be utilized in clinical practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Prescribing, Population Use and Resistance, Impact in Global Health, 2nd Edition)
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-11
Back to TopTop