Antimicrobial Stewardship

The INSPIRE 3 trial demonstrates that computerized order entry recommendation prompts can reduce empiric use of broad-spectrum antibiotics in favor of targeted treatment for skin and soft tissue infections.

From the discovery of penicillin to PK-PD principles: A brief historical overview and what we have learned from recent clinical trials.

A preclinical study shows the antibiotic, piperacillin, was effective at much lower dosages than doxycycline, and did so without disrupting the gut microbiome.

Rifaquizinone is a dual-pharmacophore antibiotic combining rifamycin and a fluoroquinolone-like compound, showing strong bactericidal activity against resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains and biofilms, with promising results for treating prosthetic joint infections (PJI) but limited oral bioavailability.

A recent study evaluated bundled ambulatory stewardship interventions (ASIs) — audits, reporting, webinars, and electronic alerts — to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions (IAPs) for acute uncomplicated bronchitis (AUB).

A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study looked at the COVID-19 pandemic's effect on hospital-onset infections. Study lead author Hannah Wolford offers insights on it, including what patient populations were most affected, and the significance of infection prevention strategies.

Global study reveals sharp rise in deaths linked to high-risk antibiotic use, prompting urgent calls for stewardship reform and surveillance improvements globally.

In a phase 3 study, GSK’s gepotidacin demonstrated 92% efficacy against the sexually transmitted infection.

MeMed CEO Eran Eden, PhD, discusses the MeMed BV test and how it can help make the distinction between the types of infections, aid in patient management, and reduce antimicrobial resistance.

A surge in invasive group A Streptococcal (IGAS) infections in children marked by more virulent strains followed a reduction in cases coinciding with protective measures for the pandemic.

Study shows benefit using antibiotic earlier in clinical care for gram-negative infections.

Although the TB pipeline has several new agents in various phases, challenges to antimicrobial development remain. Therefore treatment adherence remains paramount.

Key updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on influenza activity, hospitalizations, pediatric deaths, and current trends across the United States.

Patients with suspected sepsis in the emergency department are twice as likely to survive at 28 days when antibiotics are started within 1 hour.

Sharmeen Roy, PharmD, BCPS, on artificial intelligence (AI) in improving decision-making, reducing adverse drug events on National Adverse Drug Event Awareness Day, and upcoming research on pediatric dosing at the the Congress of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases.

Sharmeen Roy, PharmD, BCPS, discusses the role of AI, real-world evidence, and clinician oversight in optimizing medication dosing for ICU patients.

Sharmeen Roy, PharmD, BCPS, discusses the role of Bayesian dosing, therapeutic drug monitoring, and hospital resource allocation.

Indwelling devices and previous antibiotic exposure increased the risk for these infections.

The Visby Medical Women’s Sexual Health Test can screen for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis.

Pamela Kushner, MD, offers insights on the newly approved antibiotic including its novel mechanism of action, the new criteria incorporated into the phase 3 studies, and what it means for her to have this treatment available.

This is the first in a new class of oral antibiotics for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (uUTIs) in nearly 30 years.

This method represents a significant advancement in case management for this population. In our latest From Pathogen to Infectious Disease Diagnosis Podcast, Jose Alexander, MD, ABMM, ABAIM, FCCM, CIC, ASCP, BCMAS, provides insights on its capabilities and how it can potentially aid clinicians in reducing antimicrobial resistance.

Whitney Hartlage, PharmD, explores the role of expanded UTI definitions and urinalysis interpretation in addressing antibiotic overuse.

A long-term study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows early success in the reduction of such infections followed by an increase again during the early pandemic years. Additionally, certain pathogens overall saw an increase, whereas other infections were stable or saw decreases.