The Reduction in Duration of Antibiotic Therapy as a Key Element of Antibiotic Stewardship Programs

Abstract

The incidence and mortality rates of severe infections are still very high. Moreover, the growing threat of bacterial resistance and the progressive reduction of research into new antibiotics, overshadows the future of the fight against infections. We need to preserve the effectiveness of available antibiotics. This can only be achieved if we minimize the development of bacterial resistance. We have sufficient evidence to show that reducing the duration of antibiotic treatment can minimize the potential development of bacterial resistance, without worsening the prognosis of infections. So, we think that the proposal to shorten the antibiotic treatment should become a key element of our antibiotic stewardship programs.