Travel and the Spread of Drug-Resistant Bacteria

AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe rise in antimicrobial resistance is an urgent public health threat which, in the absence of intervention, may result in a post-antibiotic era limiting the effectiveness of antibiotics to treat both common and serious infections. Globalization and human migration have profoundly contributed to the spread of drug-resistant bacteria. In this review, we summarize the recent literature on the importance of travelers in the spread of drug-resistant bacterial organisms. Our goal was to describe the importance of travel on a variety of clinically relevant drug-resistant bacterial organisms including extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus,Salmonella species, as well as other enteric infections.Recent FindingsTravelers from high income countries, visiting low and middle income countries, frequently acquire drug-resistant bacteria, particularly extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae. The highest risk is associated with travel to the Indian subcontinent. Multidrug-resistant enteric infections in travelers fromSalmonella spp.,Campylobacter spp., andShigella spp. are increasing. Refugees, pilgrimages, and medical tourists are associated with considerable risk of multiple forms of drug resistance.SummaryThis review highlights the importance of antimicrobial stewardship, infection control, and surveillance; particularly in low and middle ...

Source: Current Infectious Disease Reports - June 29, 2018 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research