Emerging Antibiotic Resistance of Blood Stream Infections among Children

Abstract

Antibiotic resistance is a serious problem in the management of childhood infections. Bacteria have developed various mechanisms of resistance. Indiscriminate and irrational use of antibiotics have led to the emergence of superbugs which have developed resistance to multiple antibiotics. Nowadays research are showing promising role of usage of older antibiotics for treatment of resistant infections. Multidrug resistant gram negative infections is a challenging situation where combination therapy and drugs with gram positive coverage like vancomycin are showing positive results. Ampicillin is losing sensitivity and protocols have been modified in using cephalosporins as the first line in some units. Carbapenam resistance and ESBL are emerging among hospitalised patients. Similarly emergence of community acquired MRSA possessing a new virulence toxin (Panton-Valentine leukocidin) is a serious threat among childhood infections. Unfortunately of late only minimal resources are directed to the development of newer antibiotics. Its time to consider the emerging antibiotic resistance particularly among children as a serious issue and start rational antibiotic practice and develop unit specific antibiotic policy to fight against antibiotic resistance.