A bug in the ointment: topical antimicrobial usage and resistance in New Zealand

Deborah Williamson; Stephen R Ritchie; Emma Best; Arlo Upton; Alison Leversha; Alesha Smith; Mark G Thomas

A bug in the ointment: topical antimicrobial usage and resistance in New Zealand

N Z Med J. 2015 Dec 4;128(1426):103-9.

Authors

Deborah Williamson¹, Stephen R Ritchie, Emma Best, Arlo Upton, Alison Leversha, Alesha Smith, Mark G Thomas

Affiliation

¹ Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, PO Box 7343, Wellington South, 6242, New Zealand. Debbie.williamson@esr.cri.nz.

PMID: 26913914

Abstract

New Zealand has unenviably high rates of bacterial resistance to topical antimicrobials. In this Viewpoint, we review the history and usage of topical antimicrobials in New Zealand, and suggest some strategies to mitigate further increases in antimicrobial resistance to topical agents.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Administration, Topical
Anti-Infective Agents / administration & dosage*
Anti-Infective Agents / therapeutic use
Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial*
Fusidic Acid / administration & dosage
Humans
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus*
Mupirocin / administration & dosage
New Zealand

Substances

Anti-Infective Agents
Fusidic Acid
Mupirocin