A battle of wills: Antibiotics and bacteria lock horns in a struggle for survival

As broad-spectrum antibiotics are prescribed more widely in the United States, they have been strongly linked with increasing rates of antimicrobial resistance among clinically important bacterial pathogens. Studies investigating resistance mechanisms of Streptococcus pneumoniae and enterococci demonstrate transfer of genetic material by the bacteria within susceptible hosts. A two-pronged strategy that includes a never-ending search for new antimicrobials as well as controls on the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics will be necessary to prevent an apocalyptic 'postantibiotic' era.