Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America
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Antimicrobial resistance is frequently associated with clinical use of antibiotics. This close association suggests that efforts to manage our use of these potent agents can have an impact on the prevalence of resistance. Unfortunately, one size does not fit all when considering the response of bacterial pathogens to antimicrobial exposure. ⋯ The simplest approach is to use fewer antibiotics and thereby apply less selective pressure to the prevalent flora. Among available strategies to reduce use, reductions in length of antimicrobial regimens are the safest and are likely to be the most palatable to practicing clinicians. Studies are urgently needed to define minimal lengths of therapy to ensure that efforts at reduced use are safe and effective.
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Manufacturers wish to communicate the benefits of probiotics in advertising and labeling with lawful and adequately substantiated claims. Regulatory and substantiation requirements differ for products intended to cure, treat, prevent, or mitigate a disease; to reduce a healthy individual's risk of developing a disease; or to affect the structure or function of the body. ⋯ Food manufacturers must design their claims regarding the benefits of probiotics with the regulatory environment in mind and must develop their research plans to provide evidence that satisfies the agencies' substantiation requirements. This article offers an overview of the applicable laws and regulations, what they mandate regarding legitimate claims, and the issues regarding the design of research to substantiate such claims.
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This article discusses options and examples of regulations or "generally recognized as safe" determinations that are related to microorganisms in food. A balanced picture of information about the microorganism and its characteristics is needed to make conclusions about its safety.