Increasing bacterial resistance combined with a steady decline in the discovery
of new antibiotics has resulted in a global healthcare crisis. Overuse of
antibiotics, for example, in the poultry and cattle industry, and misuse and
improper prescription of antibiotics are leading causes of multidrug resistance
(MDR). The increasing use of antibiotics, particularly in developing countries,
is a big concern for antibiotic resistance and can cause other health threats
such as increased risk of recurrent infections and increased risk of
cardiovascular death with chronic use of macrolides. Carbapenems are the last
line of defense in many cases of resistant infection, but trends show that
resistance against these agents is also increasing. This narrative review is
based on relevant literature according to the experience and expertise of the
authors and presents an overview of the current knowledge on antibiotic
resistance, the key driving factors, and possible strategies to tackle
antibiotic resistance. Collectively, studies show that hospital-wide antibiotic
stewardship programs are effective in decreasing the spread of antibacterial
resistance. As resistance varies according to local patterns of use, it is
essential to observe the epidemiology at both a regional and an institutional
level. Furthermore, adaptation of clinical guidelines is necessary, particularly
for inpatient care. Future guidelines should include a justification step for
continued treatment of antibiotic treatments and criteria for selection of
antibiotics at the start of treatment. Nonantibiotic prevention strategies can
limit infections and should also be considered in treatment plans. Vaccines
against MDR organisms have shown some efficacy in phase II trials in critical
care patients. Nonimmunogenic and microbiologic treatment options such as fecal
transplants may be particularly important for elderly and immune-compromised
patients.