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Antimicrobial Resistance
Antimicrobial agents have been used since the 1940s to treat patients who
have infectious diseases. However, over time and due to increasing use of
these drugs in humans, animals, and agriculture, many bacteria, fungi,
viruses, and parasites have adapted to them, making the drugs less
effective. Some microorganisms may develop resistance to a single
antimicrobial agent (or related class of agent), while others develop
resistance to several antimicrobial agents or classes. These organisms are
often referred to as multiple drug resistant organisms (MDRO). In some
cases, the microorganisms have become so resistant that no available
antibiotics are effective against them.
Infections with drug-resistant organisms are primarily a problem in
hospitals and other healthcare settings, however they can also spread in the
community at large. People infected with drug-resistant organisms are more
likely to have longer and more expensive hospital stays, and may be more
likely to die as a result of the infection. When the drug of choice for
treating their infection doesn't work, they require treatment with second-
or third-choice drugs that may be less effective, more toxic, and more
expensive. This means that patients with an antimicrobial-resistant
infection may suffer more and pay more for treatment.
More About Antimicrobial Resistance
Guidelines for Prevention and Control of
Infections Due to Antibiotic-Resistant Organisms, March 2010
(Florida Department of Health, Division of Disease Control, Bureau of
Epidemiology)
Diseases and Pathogens
Surveillance
Laboratory Testing
Resources for:
Reportable Diseases in Florida
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