Antibiotic resistance comment: Dr Simon Clarke says the sheer number of resistant infections is a great concern
Release Date 26 September 2014
A new study has found one in seven patients cannot be cured using antibiotics. Dr Simon Clarke, Associate Professor in Cellular Microbiology at the University of Reading, provides comment.
"Antibiotic resistance is one of the major global health concerns we face, now and in the future. While it is not surprising that the amount of resistant infections has increased - we already know that it is a persistent problem that is only getting worse - the sheer numbers are of great concern.
"Inappropriate prescription of antibiotics is believed to drive the occurrence of resistance. The authors suggest that GPs could play a central role in managing patient demand for antibiotics.
"Studies carefully monitoring antibiotic prescription and levels of resistance to these important drugs are crucial. Earlier this year the Prime Minister said antibiotic resistance threatened taking the world back into the dark ages of medicine. We need to take action now if we are to see a light at the end of this long and problematic tunnel."