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March 27, 2002

U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"Stricter Antibiotics Use Urged"

Atlanta Journal-Constitution (www.accessatlanta.com/ajc)

(03/27/02) P. 4A; McKenna, M.A.J.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched a campaign to limit the use of antibiotics.  According to the CDC's Dr. Julie Gerberding, over 45,000 people in America die every year in hospitals after being infected with disease organisms that are resistant to one or more antibiotics.  The CDC is recommending a number of strategies designed to slow down the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria through the health care system.  These strategies include: preventing infections, diagnosing and treating them effectively if they occur, using antibiotics carefully, and working to prevent any infections from being passed to others.  To achieve these aims, the CDC recommends that a number of steps be taken, such as using available vaccines against the flu and other diseases.  Other steps include limiting the use of last-resort antibiotics as much as possible; carrying out blood cultures when people are admitted to the hospital to ensure they receive the right drugs; and taking out catheters as soon as possible to prevent the spread of infection to a patient's body.

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