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Antimicrobial resistance: vital factors to beat the silent pandemic

The future of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) depends on what we do today. Better diagnostics, infection prevention, and surveillance are vital factors in the fight against AMR, argues Greg Quinn.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a complicated and multi-sectorial problem which requires urgent action to address. Recently, there has been an outbreak of Group A streptococcus in the UK, showcasing the importance of education and stewardship in the face of AMR and sepsis to protect the lives of children. We’ve come a long way within Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) over the last 20 years, but we still have a long way to go to help protect continued delivery of care for generations to come. 

Looking ahead to the ‘silent’ pandemic of AMR, it’s important for all stakeholders, including healthcare leaders, industry, and governments to work together and act now to mitigate another global health crisis. Of equal importance is engagement with younger generations on which effective actions can help tackle AMR. As with climate change, public support and behaviour change is vital. The World Health Organization (WHO) cites AMR as one of the top 10 threats to global health.1 Already at least 700,000 people die annually from drug-resistant diseases - this is not silent and is not a problem of the future.2

It is estimated that 63.5% of cases of infections with antibiotic-resistant bacteria are healthcare associated.3 Perhaps not surprisingly, up to 50% of all antibiotics prescribed in European hospitals are deemed inappropriate or unnecessary.4 Resistant infections were found to increase excess length of stay (LOS) by 4.9-9.3 days.5 Antimicrobial resistant infections in hospitals can be exacerbated by insufficient or ineffective processes, tools, communication, and coordination.

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Upcoming Events

BSI Congress

ICC Belfast, BT1 3WH
4-7 December

Digital Pathology & AI Congress: Europe

The Intercontinental London Hotel, The O2, London SE10 0TW
7-8 December

POCT Innovators: The Power to Disrupt Series

Cloth Hall Court, Leeds. UK
20 March, 2024

USCAP 113th Annual Meeting

Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
23-28 March, 2024

ECCMID 2024 - European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

Fira Gran Via, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
27-30 April 2024

British Society for Microbial Technology Annual Microbiology Conference

Royal Air Force Museum, Hendon, London
2 May 2024

Access the latest issue of Pathology In Practice on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Pathology In Practice app from your device's App store

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