Learn More About Resistance to Antibiotics

Format: Fact Sheet
Institute: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)

Some bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites have developed resistance to the drugs used to treat them, called antimicrobials. Resistance results from the widespread use of antibiotics and other antimicrobial drugs. Because of this resistance, the risk of getting infections in hospitals or other settings has increased. Additionally, some diseases are now more difficult to treat than they were just a few decades ago.

NIAID manages a research portfolio of grants specifically aimed at the problem of antibiotic resistance. Other projects seek to identify antimicrobial substances that could hold off resistant infections and support development of technologies for early detection of conditions like blood poisoning and community-acquired pneumonia. NIAID is also sponsoring a trial to test the effectiveness of two infection control strategies for two antibiotic-resistant bacteria in hospital intensive care units.

The Problem of Antimicrobial Resistance is an updated fact sheet that includes an overview of resistance as well as signs that the problem is increasing. In addition, NIAID-funded research, drug development, and clinical trials to combat antimicrobial resistance are discussed along with advances and activities that will help public health officials hold the line in the fight against drug-resistant microbes.

Next Steps
You can read The Problem of Antimicrobial Resistance online at www.niaid.nih.gov/factsheets/antimicro.htm.