Emerging antibiotic resistance: a global threat and critical healthcare problem

Abstract

After the development and mass commercialization of antibiotics, pathogenic and environmental bacteria have developed resistance to antibiotics since the last century, so that the infection caused by antibiotic-resistant organisms (AROs) could be considered an emerging infection. As a result, its control should be prioritized as a threat to all nations, regardless of territory and economic situation. Increased surveillance in the United States, Europe and East Asia has illustrated the rapid spread leading to an increasing burden of infections caused by AROs. However, the information available in countries of continued development in Latin America is limited. This review describes recent information on AROs surveillance studies in Latin America as well as common sources of AROs and possible strategies for their control.