First, a special thank you to Emily Styslinger, my summer research student (Colgate University) for passing this article on to me.The idea that stopping antibiotic treatment early promotes antibiotic resistance is simply not supported by evidence.
This article, published in the British Medical Journal, neatly explores the idea that 'complete the course' of antibiotics may not be the best option for limiting antibiotic selective pressure. We are learning that shorter courses of antibiotics for select bacterial infections (community-acquired pneumonia, pharyngitis, healthcare associated pneumonia) are as effective as the time honored 14 day course of treatment.
It is now time for us to aggressively question the duration of all antibiotic courses.
We need research that best defines duration limited yet effective treatment regimens for bacterial infections. This must be coupled with a clear patient centered message, as suggested in the paper: Stop antibiotics when you feel better.
I love it.
