Researchers Counter Age-Old Message On Antibiotics
An analysis published in BMJ questions the idea that failing to complete a course of antibiotics contributes to the rise of antibiotic resistance.
San Diego Union-Tribune:
Taking Antibiotics For Full 7 To 14 Days Can Actually Harm You
The latest evidence comes from a study published this week in the journal BMJ by a group of British scientists. That team joins an expanding chorus of experts who said there’s no scientific support for the conventional wisdom, first adopted in the mid-1940s, that long courses of antibiotics help prevent bacteria from developing immunity to many or most of the weapons in the antibiotic arsenal. (Sisson, 7/28)
In other public health news —
The Mercury News:
High Blood Pressure Study: 7 Of 9 Medi-Cal Plans Improved Rates
Teamwork across Medicaid health plans can — even with moderate resources — improve the quality of health care compared to efforts by individual health plans alone, a new study shows. A report released Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that a year-long collaboration between nine of California’s 23 Medi-Cal managed care plans helped increase the number of patients who controlled their high blood pressure rates. (Seipel, 7/27)