Expert review of anti-infective therapy
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Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther · Oct 2008
ReviewEstablishing the role of tigecycline in an era of antimicrobial resistance.
Tigecycline is a glycylcycline antibacterial agent derived from minocycline with a broad spectrum of activity. Like tetracycline agents, it inhibits bacterial protein synthesis but is able to bind to target sites with higher affinity and overcome tetracycline-resistance mechanisms due to structural modifications. ⋯ Aside from approved indications and in vitro data, growing clinical experience suggests a potential role for tigecycline in the management of multi-drug resistant infections due to drug-resistant pathogens. Further study is necessary to determine the ultimate role of tigecycline in treating these types of infections.
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Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther · Oct 2008
ReviewExtensively drug-resistant tuberculosis: new strains, new challenges.
Extensively drug-resistant (XDR)-TB, defined as TB with resistance to at least isoniazid, rifampin, a fluoroquinolone and either amikacin, kanamycin or capreomycin, is a stark setback for global TB control. Overburdened public-health systems with inadequate resources for case detection and management and high HIV coinfection rates in many regions have contributed to the emergence of XDR-TB. Patients with XDR-TB have poor outcomes, prolonged infectious periods and limited treatment options. To prevent an epidemic of untreatable XDR-TB, improvements in XDR-TB surveillance, increased laboratory capacity for rapid detection of drug-resistant strains, better infection control and the development of new therapeutics are urgently needed.