Antibiotic Future Trends explores the escalating crisis of antibiotic resistance, a major threat to public health and our ability to treat common infections. The book emphasizes that the rise of resistant bacteria is driven by factors like antibiotic overuse and misuse in both human medicine and agriculture, leading to a potential post-antibiotic era where infections become untreatable. Interestingly, the book highlights the role of horizontal gene transfer, a process where bacteria share resistance genes, accelerating the spread of antimicrobial resistance. This book uniquely integrates ecological principles into resistance management, stressing the interconnectedness of humans, animals, and the environment. It advocates for a globally coordinated, interdisciplinary approach involving responsible antibiotic stewardship, innovative diagnostics, and novel therapies like phage therapy.
The book begins by laying the groundwork with the history and fundamentals of antibiotic resistance. The book progresses through sections examining overuse in different sectors, the role of environmental factors such as wastewater, and the potential of new treatments. It concludes with actionable policy recommendations for effective stewardship at all levels, supported by data from epidemiological studies and genomic analyses. Ultimately, it provides a balanced view to inform better practices in prescribing, infection control, and policy-making to combat infectious diseases.
