Antimicrobials have been instrumental in the treatment of infectious disease: responsible for worldwide infection control and reductions in disease-induced morbidity, and mortality. However, in every case where new chemotherapeutic agents have been introduced, resistance to them has eventually evolved. Principally, the current strategy for dealing with this problem is to invest heavily in drug development, with the hope that new drugs become available before all existing drugs lose their efficacy. Instead of focusing on the ‘development side’ of the problem, another possible strategy is to invest in methods of slowing evolution of resistance.
We use a novel application of queueing theory to demonstrate that, when comparing equivalent changes in drug development versus evolution management, the latter has a much greater effect on ensuring a continued supply of effective antimicrobial agents. Our results therefore call for a reappraisal of the current emphasis on enhancing drug development as a means of managing resistance. / Thesis (Master, Biology) -- Queen's University, 2013-07-02 15:23:55.906
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:OKQ.1974/8099 |
| Date | 03 July 2013 |
| Creators | McClure, NATHAN |
| Contributors | Queen's University (Kingston, Ont.). Theses (Queen's University (Kingston, Ont.)) |
| Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
| Language | English, English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Rights | This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner. |
| Relation | Canadian theses |
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