- Strains of Staphylococcus aureus with diminished susceptibility to Vancomycin were reported in Japan and the United Kingdom in 1997

- A new strain of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis appearing more frequently in persons with HIV has become endemic in New York.

South Carolina has a high prevalence of antibiotic resistance.

- Total antibiotic resistant organisms increased 72% since 1998.

- Reported cases of pneumonia, otitis media, and septiciemia caused by drug resistant Streptococccus pneumoniae have increased 66% since 1998.

- Reported cases of Vancomycin resistant Enterrococcus have increased 79%, and total reported antibiotic resistant organisms increased 72% in the same time period.

USDHHS (1998), Preventing Emerging Infectious Diseases: A Strategy for the 21st Century, Atlanta: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

USDHHS, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 47(RR-15), September 11, 1998, Atlanta: CDC.

Iskander, J.(1999). “In my Backyard: Results of the 1998 Statewide Laboratory Survey of PCN and Cephalosporin Resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae in SC”, Epi Notes, (May-June, 1999). Columbia: SCDHEC, 1999.