Addressing beta-lactam allergy: A time for action.

Abstract

It is now 93 years since the discovery of penicillins, and over 75 yearssince the first use of penicillin. We have entered yet another wave ofchallenges plagued with antibiotic resistance accelerating at a ratethat well exceeds that of new antibiotic development. In the faceof these uphill battles, 8%–15% of a global population who has hadaccess to care is labeled as penicillin allergic.