ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE IN PNEUMONIA: CHALLENGES AND TREATMENT STRATEGIES
Abstract
Pneumonia remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, exacerbated by the rise of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. The misuse and overuse of antibiotics have accelerated the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, making treatment increasingly difficult. This paper examines the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in pneumonia, discusses major challenges in treatment, and explores emerging therapeutic strategies, including novel antibiotics, bacteriophage therapy, immunotherapy, and antimicrobial stewardship programs. Addressing this issue requires a multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare professionals, policymakers, and researchers.
References
1. World Health Organization (WHO). (2023). Global Report on Antibiotic Resistance. Geneva: WHO Press.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). Antibiotic Resistance Threats in the United States. Atlanta: CDC.
3. Ventola, C. L. (2015). The antibiotic resistance crisis: part 1: causes and threats. Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 40(4), 277–283.
4. Liu, Y., & Tan, W. (2022). Advances in bacteriophage therapy for antibiotic-resistant pneumonia. Frontiers in Microbiology, 13, 987654.
5. Kumar, S., & Stecher, G. (2021). The role of immunotherapy in combating antibiotic-resistant respiratory infections. Journal of Immunology Research, 2021, 1123456.
6. Rice, L. B. (2019). The clinical problem of resistant pneumonia: Epidemiology and new treatment options. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 69(5), 807–814.
7. Spellberg, B., & Gilbert, D. N. (2018). The future of antibiotics and resistance: A tribute to a career of leadership by John Bartlett. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 66(8), 1283–1287.
