General Information about Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

What are antibiotics?

Antibiotics, also known as antimicrobials or antimicrobial drugs, are drugs that fight infections caused by bacteria. Antibiotics kill specific bacteria. When used correctly, antibiotics are very important medicines.

Not all infections are caused by bacteria. Viruses are also important causes of infections. Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections like the common cold or flu. Your health provider must diagnose the infection to decide if an antibiotic is necessary, and if so, which one is appropriate to use.

What are antibiotic-resistant bacteria?

Some bacteria can defend themselves against antibiotics. These bacteria are referred to as antibiotic-resistant. Because of these resistant bacteria, some infectious diseases are becoming more difficult to treat.

Each time we take an antibiotic, bacteria are killed, but resistant ones may be left to grow and multiply. Resistant bacteria do not respond to the antibiotics and continue to cause infection.

The overuse and misuse of antibiotics increase the growth and spread of these resistant bacteria.

How do we detect or test for antibiotic-resistant bacteria?

Your health provider can order laboratory tests to determine the cause of infection. However, laboratory tests are not always necessary to make a diagnosis and decide on the best treatment. Among the tests that can help identify the cause of infection is the "culture" test such as blood, throat, and urine culture. This test essentially uses a series of procedures that allow certain bacteria to be "grown," identified, and tested for susceptibility to a standard panel of antibiotics. Results of susceptibility testing will determine if the bacteria are "susceptible" or "resistant."

Where (what type of setting) can we find infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria?

Like infections caused by bacteria that are susceptible to antibiotics, those caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria are identified in the hospital, nursing home, outpatient, and other health-care venues. However, some infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria are typically seen among patients confined in the hospital or other health facility, often referred to as hospital-acquired or healthcare-associated.

How can we prevent antibiotic resistance?

To help prevent the emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria:

• If your doctor prescribes an antibiotic, take the medication as prescribed.
• Never share your antibiotic or save it for later use.

Share any concerns or questions you have about your illness, particularly any antibiotic prescribed, with your doctor.

General measures to prevent infections should also help. These include the following:

• Make sure that you and your family receive the appropriate vaccines. Your health provider can advise you about what vaccines you and your family need.
• Wash your hands often, especially after coughing or sneezing.

For more information about prevention, you may refer to the following CDC websites:

The "An Ounce of Prevention" Campaign

Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work

 

Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance

Communicable Disease

Public Health