Department of Pharmacy practice, Srinivas College of Pharmacy, Mangaluru
Antibiotic resistance has become a global healthcare crisis, posing a significant challenge to the effective treatment of bacterial infections. Meropenem, a broad-spectrum carbapenem antibiotic, has long been considered a last-line defense against multidrug-resistant pathogens. However, the emergence and spread of meropenem resistance represent a critical threat to public health, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of its current trends and clinical implications. This review provides a detailed analysis of the current state of meropenem resistance, Trends in Meropenem Resistance, Global prevalence and distribution of meropenem-resistant bacteria, Factors contributing to the spread and persistence of meropenem resistance, Impact of meropenem resistance on healthcare settings and patient outcomes encompassing both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. Clinical implications of meropenem resistance are far-reaching. Patients infected with meropenem-resistant strains often experience delayed and inadequate treatment, resulting in higher mortality rates and prolonged hospital stays. Efforts to combat meropenem resistance include antibiotic stewardship programs, infection control measures, and the development of novel antimicrobial agents. In conclusion, meropenem resistance is a critical issue that demands urgent attention from healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers. Understanding the current trends and clinical implications is paramount for implementing effective strategies to mitigate the spread of resistance, preserve the utility of meropenem, and ensure better outcomes for patients with severe bacterial infections. A comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach is essential to address this growing threat and safeguard the future of antibiotic therapy.
Fathima Shabna, Satish S., Flaxseed : A review on Meropenem resistance: Current trends and clinical implications, Int. J. in Pharm. Sci., 2023, Vol 1, Issue 11, 551-561. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10210076