Antimicrobial resistance: Implications for therapy of infections with common childhood pathogens

Abstract

Antibiotic resistance of bacteria that cause infections in children has become a major problem over the past several years. Consequently, many infections cannot be treated with 'traditional' antibiotics and newer (often more expensive) drugs must be used. There are many reasons why bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics, and some measures can be taken to prevent the problem from becoming more serious. One of the most serious causes of antibiotic resistance is inappropriate use. Antibiotics may kill some, but not all bacteria. Consequently, bacteria naturally resistant to that antibiotic can be selected out and flourish. This problem is heightened when antibiotics are used for the wrong reasons or for an incorrect length of rime. For instance, a child with a 'cold' is infected with a virus, for which there is no effective antibiotic. Nonetheless, antibiotics are often prescribed for such children; their use does not cure the infection and can encourage development of antibiotic resistance among bacteria that normally inhabit that child's throat or intestinal tract. If that child subsequently develops a bacterial infection, the bacteria may be resistant to the antibiotic used to treat the cold. This is but one of many examples of how the inappropriate use of antibiotics can result in infection with antibiotic- resistant bacteria. What can you do? Everyone can become involved in the fight against antibiotic resistant bacteria. To protect yourself and your family against such infection, you should take the following steps: 1.Try to ensure that your child only receives antibiotics when they clearly are indicated for treatment of a bacterial infection. Children with colds should not receive antibiotic therapy. 2. Be sure that your child receives antibiotics at the prescribed dose and continues taking them for the duration prescribed. 3. Be sure that your child is fully immunized. Prevention of infection is the best way to fight antibiotic resistance. 4. Maintain the highest possible level of cleanliness in your home and in your child's daycare centre. Infections can be readily spread among children, particularly these who are in diapers and those who are in close contact.