β-lactams and bacterial resistance

This book traces the foundations of the β-lactam family in modern antibiotic therapy while exploring the dynamics and extent of bacterial resistance that threatens their efficacy. Bringing together history mechanisms of action and prescription strategies it details the main mechanisms of enzymatic and non-enzymatic resistance in enterobacteria and Gram-positive bacteria and outlines contemporary epidemiological and clinical issues. Innovative therapeutic approaches including phage therapy and the One Health approach are discussed as complementary solutions to counter bacterial multidrug resistance and limit the environmental and zoonotic spread of resistance genes. The book is aimed at clinicians researchers pharmacists and decision-makers offering recommendations for the rational use of β-lactam antibiotics increased surveillance and the strengthening of collaborative actions between human veterinary and environmental medicine in order to sustainably preserve this cornerstone of the anti-infectious arsenal.