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Resistance to antibiotics is a growing concern for ophthalmology
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ROME — The prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is increasing worldwide, and several strategies should be implemented to delay or prevent this from occurring among ocular isolates, according to a presenter here.
Recent examples abound, with resistance to older-generation fluoroquinolones and, to a lesser extent, newer ones as well, Marguerite B. McDonald, MD, said at the annual joint meeting of Ocular Surgery News and the Italian Society of Ophthalmology.
"Increasing [fluoroquinolone] resistance is a major concern because it narrows treatment choices for the management of common ocular infections," she said.
Future strategies include the development of a newer fluoroquinolone generation with low resistance potential and improved efficacy.
"In the general practice, antibiotics should be prescribed only when needed and appropriately selected using sensitivity testing. Antibiotic combinations should be considered, intermittent use and tapered dosing should be avoided, and adherence to the full course of therapy should be strongly recommended to the patients," she said.
However, reducing antibiotic use in humans alone will have little effect. Substantial efforts must be made by the community to reduce the use of antibiotics in animals and agriculture, Dr. McDonald noted.
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