Minnesota medicine
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Antibiotic use has come under increased scrutiny because of the emergence of multidrug-resistant organisms. Many have called for restricting use of antibiotics in humans and animals, finding strategies to reduce the spreadof resistant organisms and development of new anti-infectives. The challenge for many clinicians is identifyingwhen antibiotics are needed, which ones to use and how long to use them. This article offers practical advice foridentifying when antibiotics are beneficial and curbing inappropriate use.