Emerging Role of Clinical Pharmacists in Managing Multidrug-Resistant Infections

Abstract

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections pose a significant global health challenge, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. The emergence of resistant pathogens such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), and multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MDR-TB) has limited therapeutic options, necessitating a more strategic approach to antimicrobial stewardship. Clinical pharmacists play a crucial role in managing MDR infections through optimizing antibiotic use, ensuring appropriate dosing, and promoting adherence to treatment guidelines. Their involvement in antimicrobial stewardship programs helps in reducing antibiotic misuse, monitoring pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and personalizing drug therapy based on microbial susceptibility patterns. Additionally, clinical pharmacists contribute to infection control by educating healthcare professionals and patients on antimicrobial resistance and adherence
strategies. Their expertise in therapeutic drug monitoring is particularly valuable in managing narrow therapeutic index antibiotics. Collaboration with physicians, microbiologists, and infection control teams further enhances patient outcomes. As new antimicrobial agents and alternative therapies emerge, the role of clinical pharmacists is expected to expand, making them integral to combating MDR infections. This review highlights their emerging role, current interventions, and future directions in infection management, emphasizing the need for increased recognition and integration of clinical pharmacists in multidisciplinary healthcare teams.