Changes in bacterial hospital epidemiology.

Abstract

Antibiotics' use and prescription requires a profound review, as their inadequate administration has been one of the main forces leading to resistance as a result of overuse and misuse. Resistance is particularly challenging in nosocomial environments in which there has been a gradual change in bacterial epidemiology owing to the continuous increase of multi-drug-resistant isolates, which imply a threat to prevent and cure infections. Expertise at the time of using antibiotics, development of new diagnostic tools and the possibility of having new antimicrobials are required to stay ahead of evolving resistance. Moreover, surveillance is also relevant to monitor antimicrobial resistance.