Icelandic researchers are showing the way to bring down rates of antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Article Abstract:

Physicians in Iceland have been able to reduce the number of isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae that are resistant to penicillin by reducing antibiotic use. The first strain of penicillin-resistant pneumococcus (PRP) in Iceland was reported in 1998. By 1993, almost 20% of the pneumococcal infections on the island were caused by PRP. Day care centers were thought to be the major source of PRP and many Icelandic physicians had found that otitis media was no longer responding to antibiotics. In 1991, government subsidies of antibiotic prescriptions ended and sales of antibiotics subsequently declined. Physicians began a media campaign to reduce antibiotic use. Children who were carriers of PRP were asked to stay home if they were symptomatic and hospitalized patients were isolated. Between 1993 and 1994, the incidence or PRP infections dropped from 20% to 16.9%. In 1995, only 15% of pneumococcal strains in children were PRP, compared to 20% in 1992.

Management, Streptococcal infections, Social policy, Drug resistance in microorganisms, Microbial drug resistance, Microbiology, Iceland

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Researchers Launch a Web-Based Resource for Smallpox Research

Article Abstract:

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease has created an online resource center to foster research on smallpox. Natural smallpox has been eliminated but officials believe some terrorists might use smallpox virus as a biological weapon.

Research, Smallpox

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Researchers Optimistic About Sea Change in Cancer Treatment

Article Abstract:

Anti-cancer drugs that target the molecular defect behind many cancers may revolutionize the treatment of cancer. Because these drugs only target the tumor, they may have fewer side effects than chemotherapy.

Innovations, Antineoplastic agents

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