Abstract
Resistance of bacteria to antimicrobial agents is a worldwide concern. In Korea, resistant bacteria are more prevalent than in other industrialized countries. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, erythromycin-resistant Streptococcus pyogenes, penicillin non-susceptible pneumococci, β-lactamase-producing gonococci, extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, class C β-lactamase-producing E. coli, fluoroquinolone-resistant E. coli, and aminoglycoside-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are examples of resistant bacteria prevalent in Korea, and their presence suggests a high level of antimicrobial selective pressure and the nosocomial spread of resistant bacteria. Recently observed rapid increases in the incidence of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium and carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa present new threats in Korea.
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Received: July 25, 2000 / Accepted: October 4, 2000
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Chong, Y., Lee, K. Present situation of antimicrobial resistance in Korea. J Infect Chemother 6, 189–195 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/s101560070001
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s101560070001