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Understanding drug resistance will improve the treatment of bacterial infections

Nature Reviews Microbiology volume 15, pages 639–640 (2017)Cite this article

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An improved understanding of the origins and spread of drug-resistant bacteria, as well as the identification of novel antimicrobial compounds and new drug combinations, will facilitate the development of better dosing regimens and novel strategies to manage drug resistance and prevent the dissemination of resistant bacteria.

Since the WHO and European Union issued antimicrobial strategies and action plans in 2011, there has been an unprecedented volume of research aimed at resolving the crisis of antimicrobial drug resistance, particularly to antibacterial drugs (antibiotics). Much of this has been focused on providing a better understanding of the various aspects of resistance (intrinsic, acquired and evolved). This understanding is required to ensure that the next generation of new, safe and effective antibiotics has clinical longevity and is less susceptible to the development of resistance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Antimicrobials Research Group, Institute for Microbiology and Infection, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom

    Laura J. V. Piddock

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  1. Laura J. V. Piddock
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Correspondence to Laura J. V. Piddock.

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The author declares no competing financial interests.

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European Union Joint Programming Initiative on Antimicrobial Resistance

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Piddock, L. Understanding drug resistance will improve the treatment of bacterial infections. Nat Rev Microbiol 15, 639–640 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrmicro.2017.121

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nrmicro.2017.121

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