Drug-Resistant Bacteria Returning

Week of September 14, 2009

A new study suggests that Military Health System hospitals and treatment facilities may be vulnerable to multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria, but says there is no cause for alarm. The study was conducted by a team of doctors from Brooke Army Medical Center, the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and the Infectious Disease Clinical Research Program. Researchers found indications that certain bacteria are developing drug resistances and may be able to survive in military hospitals. Published in the June 2009 issue of Military Medicine, the study recommends that the Military Health System place a "continued emphasis on infection control" and calls for "novel strategies" to fight infections, especially in war zones.

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