Antibiotic stewardship refers to coordinated interventions designed to improve and measure the appropriate use of antibiotics by promoting the selection of the optimal antibiotic regimen including dosing, duration, and route of administration. The primary goals are to optimize clinical outcomes, minimize toxicity and adverse events, limit the development of resistance, and reduce unnecessary costs. Why … Read more
1. Introduction and Scope Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is a coordinated set of interventions aimed at optimizing the use of antimicrobial agents—including antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics—to ensure optimal clinical outcomes, minimize toxicity, reduce the development of resistance, and limit unnecessary costs. AMS operates at the intersection of microbiology, infectious diseases, pharmacology, epidemiology, and public health. 2. … Read more
Introduction Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health threat, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb), a slow-growing, aerobic, acid-fast bacillus with a unique, lipid-rich cell wall conferring virulence and intrinsic drug resistance. Diagnosis relies on acid-fast stains, culture, PCR, and clinical criteria. TB is primarily pulmonary but can affect any organ. Increased risk is seen in immunosuppressed individuals, … Read more