Profession
Antimicrobial resistance trials begin
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Sept. 14, 2009
Scientists are assessing the threat of antimicrobial resistance by launching two new clinical trials, one at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the other at Duke University in Durham, N.C. The trials are aimed at prolonging the effectiveness of available drugs.
The trials, which are expected to last six years, are part of a National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases initiative. They are intended to help answer key questions about proper doses, treatment duration and whether antimicrobial treatment is necessary in treating all infections.
Many infectious diseases are increasingly difficult to treat because bacteria and other microbes have developed resistance to commonly used antimicrobial drugs. Microbial resistance is driven by a variety of forces, including expanded use of the drugs in humans and animals.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/09/14/prbf0914.htm.