Antibiotic Resistance in Pediatric Blood Stream Infections

Antibiotic resistance is a serious problem in the management of childhood infections. Bacteria have
developed various mechanisms of resistance. Indiscriminate and irrational use of antibiotics have led
to the emergence of superbugs which have developed resistance to multiple antibiotics. Nowadays
research are showing promising role of usage of older antibiotics for treatment of resistant infections.
Multidrug resistant gram negative infections is a challenging situation where combination therapy and
drugs with gram positive coverage like vancomycin are showing positive results. Ampicillin is losing
sensitivity and protocols have been modified in using cephalosporins as the first line in some units.
Carbapenam resistance and ESBL are emerging among hospitalised patients. Similarly emergence of
community acquired MRSA possessing a new virulence toxin (Panton-Valentine leukocidin) is a
serious threat among childhood infections. Unfortunately of late only minimal resources are directed to
the development of newer antibiotics. Its time to consider the emerging antibiotic resistance
particularly among children as a serious issue and start rational antibiotic practice and develop unit
specific antibiotic policy to fight against antibiotic resistance.