his week, you will write a 2- to 3-page paper on antibiograms and their role in infectious disease epidemiology.
Review this week’s readings and antibiogram resources and then answer the following questions:
- What is an antibiogram? How is it created and used to prevent the growth of multidrug resistant organisms?
- Research and describe a controversy concerning antibiograms. Be sure to use credible, scholarly sources.
Your paper must be 2–3 pages in length. Include evidence or information from at least one credible external source and follow APA style for formatting and citation.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Antibiograms are a vital tool in infectious disease epidemiology that aids in the identification and prevention of multidrug-resistant organisms. As a medical professor, it is important to understand the fundamentals of an antibiogram and its application in preventing the growth of resistant bacteria. Additionally, it is essential to be aware of any controversy surrounding this issue and how it can impact patient care.
1. What is an antibiogram? How is it created and used to prevent the growth of multidrug-resistant organisms?
An antibiogram is a laboratory report that summarizes the susceptibility of bacteria to different antibiotics. It is created through a process where bacterial samples are collected from patients and grown in culture. After the growth, the bacteria are tested against a variety of antibiotics to determine which antibiotics are most effective in stopping or inhibiting their growth. The results are recorded in an antibiogram, which provides clinicians with information about the most effective antibiotics to use in treating infections caused by specific bacteria. By using this information, healthcare providers can make informed decisions about choosing the right antibiotics for their patients, thereby preventing the growth of multidrug-resistant organisms.
2. Research and describe a controversy concerning antibiograms. Be sure to use credible, scholarly sources.
One of the controversies surrounding antibiograms is the potential misuse of the data provided. According to a study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, clinicians may use the information in an antibiogram to prescribe antibiotics that are not appropriate for their patient population. For example, clinicians may assume that the most common pathogens identified in an antibiogram are the same ones causing the infection in their patients and prescribe antibiotics without conducting further tests. This approach can result in the overuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics, which can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. It is, therefore, important to interpret antibiogram data carefully and to use it as part of a broader diagnostic approach.
In conclusion, antibiograms are an essential tool in infectious disease epidemiology that helps identify and prevent the growth of multidrug-resistant organisms. Medical practitioners should be aware of the potential misuse of the data generated by an antibiogram to prevent the overuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics. It is essential to use this information as part of a comprehensive diagnostic approach to ensure appropriate patient care.
