Consequences of the widespread use of antibiotics.

Great quantities of antibiotics are used each year. A direct result has been the appearance of large numbers of infections caused by organisms that are resistant to the action of one or more of these drugs. A new syndrome, that of superinfection by bacteria resistant to an antibiotic being administered, has become common. Its recognition is of great importance. The control of resistant infections requires the development of new antimicrobial agents and new knowledge about the use of older ones in combination. The medical profession must be circumspect in its use of these important drugs or the time may come when the control of many serious infections may become impossible.