Antibiotics

May 15, 2019
This fact-packed, easy-to-understand introduction to the world of antibiotics is presented via answers to a series of questions, such as "How do antibiotics work?" and "Is it dangerous to take expired antibiotics?" Infectious-disease expert Wilson reviews the discovery and development of antibiotics, their mechanisms of action, and how they are used in humans, animals, plants, and aquaculture. Her discussion of antibiotics is also cautionary as she points out possible adverse effects, the influence on the microbiome (unintended destruction of beneficial resident bacteria), and escalation of bacterial resistance. The most commonly prescribed antibiotics in U.S. outpatient situations are azithromycin, amoxicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanate, ciprofloxacin, and cephalexin. Roughly half of antibiotic prescriptions are given for respiratory-tract infections. Global use of antibiotics is rising, but an estimated 30-40 percent are prescribed unnecessarily or inappropriately. Wilson's final two chapters are notable for suggesting methods to reduce the need for antibiotics and presenting newer approaches to diagnosing and treating bacterial infections. Wilson views antibiotics as "a shared resource, a community property." When these drugs are employed improperly, their effectiveness and our health are seriously imperiled.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)