Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Extended Spectrum Beta-lactamase Producing Enterobacteriaceae: A Therapeutic Challenge in the 21st Century

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance is one of the greatest global threats to human health in recent times and it limits the achievement of several of the Sustainable Development Goals. Methicillin-ResistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) and Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) producingEnterobacteriaceaeare among the most important multidrug resistant bacterial pathogens. MRSA and ESBL-producingEnterobacteriaceaehave evolved significantly over the last few decades with important clinical and epidemiological implications. Given the slow progress of development of new antibiotics in recent times, it is likely that these multidrug resistant pathogens will have a greater impact on public health in the 21stCentury, unless other effective control measures are instituted. Effective infection control strategies coupled with antibiotic stewardship programs are required to limit the spread and burden of MRSA and ESBL-producingEnterobacteriacae.