In the face of an increasing number of bacterial infections that no longer respond to the most powerful antibiotics traditionally used to fight them, the HHS, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the DOD have announced the appointment of nationally recognized experts to the Presidential Advisory Council on Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria.
"Antibiotic resistance is a growing public health threat across our country. That's why it's so important that we work together to address this challenge," said HHS Secretary Burwell. "Work is underway to implement a National Action Plan for Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria, a research-driven plan to identify and coordinate action across the administration to prevent and control outbreaks of resistant pathogens. We have made progress including CDC's new recommendations for nursing homes to improve antibiotic prescribing. But there is still more to do. I know this council will be important to this effort and provide invaluable advice on our programs, policies and plans to continue our work to combat this growing global threat."
Nearly 2 million Americans per year develop hospital-acquired infections, the majority of which are due to antibiotic-resistant bacteria, according to the Infectious Disease Society of America. Over-prescription and inappropriate use, particularly in low-income populations around the world, in addition to overuse of antibiotics in agriculture, are major contributors to worsening resistance.
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