Title: Principles of Antimicrobial Drug Selection and Use
Abstract: The aim of antimicrobial therapy is to assist the host's defense mechanisms in containing and eliminating the invading microorganism(s). Direct host toxicity is the most important factor limiting drug dosage. Appropriate antimicrobial chemotherapy requires the attending clinician to have a reasonable idea as to the most likely pathogen(s) involved in the infectious disease process and the ability of the chosen antimicrobial agents to reach therapeutic concentrations at the site of infection. To some extent drug dosage can be tailored to the susceptibility of the organism, the site of infection and the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of the selected antimicrobial agent. Adjunctive treatments to antimicrobial therapy are essential in promoting healing. The current measurement of antimicrobial drug activity against bacterial pathogens relies on measurement of the MIC and, by comparison with established breakpoints, bacteria are classified as susceptible, intermediate, or resistant.
Publication Year: 2013
Publication Date: 2013-08-16
Language: en
Type: other
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 13
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