Journal Article

The Future of Antibiotics and Resistance: A Tribute to a Career of Leadership by John Bartlett

Spellberg, Brad, Gilbert, David N.

2014

Overview

The ways we have developed, used, and protected antibiotics have led, predictably, to our current crisis of rising antibiotic resistance and declining new treatments. If we want to stave off a postantibiotic era, we need to fundamentally change our approach. We need to challenge long-standing assumptions and cherished beliefs. We need to push through the reflexive resistance and excuses (eg, \"that's not how we do things\" and \"that can't be done\") that result from challenging established ways. Excuses abound. Action is needed. Ultimately, we need a coordinated national action plan to combat resistance. Herein we discuss 7 tasks and 3 common themes that cut across those tasks, which are necessary to achieve long-term success in dealing with antibiotics and resistance. These principles derive from many years of dialogue with Dr John Bartlett. The field of infectious diseases, and indeed medicine in general, has benefited immeasurably from his remarkable leadership.

• Publisher: OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS,Oxford University Press
• Subject: Agriculture / Animals / Anti-Bacterial Agents - pharmacology / Anti-Bacterial Agents - therapeutic use / Antibacterials / Antibiotic resistance / Antibiotics / Antimicrobials / Bacteria / Bartlett, John G / Careers / Drug resistance / Drug Resistance, Microbial / Drug Utilization / Humanity / Humans / Infections / Infectious diseases / Leadership / Microorganisms / Pipelines / The John Bartlett Festschrift: Celebrating a Career in Medicine / Veterinary Drugs - pharmacology / Veterinary Drugs - therapeutic use