MINIMISING ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE TO STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

Abstract

Objective: To assess the role of rational drug use and laboratory services in preventing
the emergence of multiple antibiotic resistant Staphylococcus aureus in developing
countries
Data source: Literature search on compact disk-read only memory (CD-ROM) Medline
and Internet using the key words: Staphylococcus and antibiotic resistance. A few articles
were manually reviewed.
Study selection: Relevant studies or articles on antibiotic resistance with special reference
to Eastern Africa, region are included in the review.
Data extraction: From individual studies or articles.
Data synthesis: Evidence for the spread of S. aureus multiple antibiotic resistance is
synchronized under the headings: Introduction, current situation, antibiotic resistance
control strategies, are outlined.
Conclusion: There is need for concerted efforts between different groups to monitor
changes in the epidemiology and antibiotic resistance of S. aureus. Strategies aimed at
preventing transmission of resistant strains are remarkably effective when strictly
enforced. Necessary attention should be given on the subject so that meaningful control
measures preventing the expansion of antimicrobial resistance can be formulated,
thereby ensuring the future successful treatment of Staphylococcal infections.