The rise of antibiotic resistance is an evolving global public-health crisis. Each year, antibiotic-resistant bacteria cause over 2.5 million infections and 23,000 deaths. Research suggests that while the American public understands that antibiotic misuse contributes to antibiotic resistance, many do not consider it to be an important problem. Antibiotic stewardship seeks to combat the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria by ensuring that people receive the right dose of the right antibiotic, by the right route, for the right amount of time and only when necessary.
The goal of antibiotic stewardship is to minimize unnecessary and inappropriate use. Antibiotic stewardship programs are being implemented in an increasing number of hospitals, where experts estimate that 50 percent of antibiotic use is inappropriate or unnecessary. Recent changes in federal regulations promote antibiotic stewardship in hospitals and, for the first time, in nursing homes as well.
Antibiotics are a shared resource, and as more bacteria become resistant, they are becoming a scare resource.
At the next Science Café Cleveland event, Robin Jump, assistant professor of medicine, and Rebecca Carter, a PhD candidate in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, will present “The Illusion of Harmlessness: Misconceptions and Realities of Antibiotic Use.”
They will discuss how everyone can help preserve our existing antibiotics by supporting appropriate use of antibiotics for themselves and their family members. It also will focus on why antibiotic use in nursing homes is of particular interest.
This event will be held Monday, May 8, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Music Box Supper Club.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Limited menu options will be available for purchase.
Science Café Cleveland is sponsored by the CWRU chapter of Sigma Xi, WCPN ideastream and the Music Box Supper Club.
For more information, visit case.edu/affil/sigmaxi/ScienceCafeCleveland.html.