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StatPearls, LLC

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Clostridium Infections
  • Inappropriate Prescribing
  • Rapid Diagnostic Tests

Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotics are among the most transformative developments in modern medicine, drastically reducing morbidity and mortality from bacterial infections. However, their benefits are tempered by potential adverse effects (eg, gastrointestinal disturbances, allergic reactions, Clostridioides difficile infection). Such risks are justifiable only when antibiotics are truly needed; unnecessary use provides no benefit and incurs harm. A critical consequence of the inappropriate use of antibiotics is the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Antibiotic exposure exerts selective pressure on bacterial populations, thereby facilitating resistance through genetic changes (eg, mutation and gene amplification) and horizontal gene transfer. Resistant organisms can spread via direct contact, healthcare environments, or community transmission, affecting even those without prior antibiotic exposure. Participation in this course strengthens clinicians’ competency in antimicrobial stewardship principles that optimize antibiotic selection, dosing, route, and duration across common clinical scenarios. Content emphasizes timely empiric therapy when indicated, structured reassessment with de-escalation based on culture and susceptibility results, and use of rapid diagnostics to accelerate targeted treatment. Institutional antimicrobial stewardship programs play a crucial role in promoting responsible antibiotic use, enhancing patient safety, and mitigating the spread of antibiotic resistance. These programs involve coordinated efforts by clinicians, pharmacists, infection control experts, and healthcare administrators. Strengthening interprofessional collaboration among prescribers, pharmacists, and infection control teams is essential to reduce inappropriate prescribing and mitigate the global impact of AMR.

Credit & MOC Details

Credit information is provided by the course provider. We recommend confirming credit eligibility with the provider or your licensing board before starting the activity.

Credit types

AAPA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1.5 creditsAMA PRA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1.5 creditsNursingUp to 1.5 creditsPharmacyUp to 1.5 credits

MOC types

ABS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABOS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABPATH — Lifelong LearningUp to 1.5 pointsABA — Lifelong LearningUp to 1.5 pointsABTS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABIM — Medical KnowledgeUp to 1.5 pointsABS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABP — Lifelong Learning and Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABOHNS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABTS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 points

FDA REMS

No

Qualifies for MIPS

No

Target Specialties

Cross-Specialty

Relevant across 15 specialties.

Pricing

Fee varies

This provider typically $49–98

See fees on statpearls.com

Listed by the provider

  • Article / monograph / reference
  • includes Online course / module
  • Credit · Up to 1.5 credits
  • MOC · Up to 1.5 points
  • Fee varies · this provider typically $49–98
  • Released
    Sep 1, 2026
  • Last day to claim credit
    Sep 1, 2029 3 years left

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