May 27, 2010
The Question
Can a significant reduction in the use of an antibiotic lead to a reversal of resistance?
What we found
In the case of trimethoprim, there was no detectable fitness cost of resistance and reduction in use registered only a small effect on the rate of resistance development. The results point to the urgent need to develop new antibiotics.
Why it matters
Determining whether and when it is possible to reverse resistance trends informs how policymakers can best address the growing crisis of antibiotic resistance.
