Antimicrobial resistance is a problem that affects healthcare delivery around the globe. Factors associated with antimicrobial resistance include overuse or misuse of antimicrobial agents, immunosuppressed patients, and increased technology. Cellular mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance include the decreased uptake of a drug, efflux of the drug, enzymatic inactivation, and alterations in the antimicrobial target site. New treatment options are currently available for resistant organisms. Therapeutic strategies such as antibiotic control policies and antibiotic “cycling” have been proposed as methods for minimizing the emergence of more resistant organisms. Little evidence is available to indicate that these strategies are effective in limiting the emergence of resistance. Clinicians are urged to be judicious in their use and choice of antimicrobials.
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
1 August 2002
Emerging Infections|
August 01 2002
Antimicrobial Resistance in the Intensive Care Unit: Understanding the Problem
Douglas Houghton, ARNP, MSN, CCRN, CCNS
From University of Miami/Jackson Health System, Miami, Fla.
Reprint requests to Douglas Houghton, ARNP, MSN, CCRN, CCNS, 3119 Jackson Avenue, Miami, FL 33133 (e-mail: [email protected]).
Search for other works by this author on:
AACN Adv Crit Care (2002) 13 (3): 410–420.
Citation
Douglas Houghton; Antimicrobial Resistance in the Intensive Care Unit: Understanding the Problem. AACN Adv Crit Care 1 August 2002; 13 (3): 410–420. doi:
Download citation file:
Sign in
Don't already have an account? Register
Short-term Access
Purchase short-term access on a pay-per-article or pay-per-issue basis.
$15 72 - hour single article access $30 7 - day full issue access
2
Views