Where can I find antibiotic (Antibiotics) resistance rates for my area in the US?

Finding Antibiotic Resistance Rates in Your Area of the US

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the primary resource for accessing local antibiotic resistance data through their Antibiotic Resistance Patient Safety Atlas, which provides regional and state-specific resistance patterns.

Primary Resources for Local Antibiotic Resistance Data

• CDC Antibiotic Resistance Patient Safety Atlas: This online tool provides access to antimicrobial resistance data reported to the CDC's National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) 1. The tool allows you to:

  • View resistance patterns by geographic region
  • Filter by specific pathogens and antibiotics
  • Track changes in resistance over time
  • Access data at state and regional levels

• Local Hospital Antibiograms: Contact infection control departments at hospitals in your area, as they typically compile annual antibiograms showing local resistance patterns 2.

• State Health Departments: Many state health departments maintain surveillance programs that track antibiotic resistance patterns and can provide region-specific data 3.

Why Monitoring Local Resistance Patterns Is Critical

Resistance patterns vary significantly by geographic region within the United States. For example:

• Penicillin-nonsusceptible S. pneumoniae rates range from 15% to over 30% depending on the region 4
• MRSA prevalence shows substantial regional variation 2
• Fluoroquinolone resistance in E. coli has been increasing, with notable geographic variability 2

This regional variability makes local resistance data essential for appropriate empiric antibiotic selection 2.

Impact of Resistance on Clinical Decision-Making

Understanding local resistance patterns directly impacts clinical decisions:

• Respiratory Infections: In areas with high S. pneumoniae resistance to macrolides (>25%), alternative therapies should be considered 2
• Urinary Tract Infections: Areas with >20% resistance to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole should use alternative first-line agents 2
• Skin Infections: Knowledge of local MRSA prevalence guides empiric therapy choices 2

Common Pitfalls in Interpreting Resistance Data

• Selection Bias: Hospital antibiograms often reflect more resistant organisms from sicker patients
• Outdated Information: Resistance patterns change over time, so current data is essential
• Misapplying Population-Level Data: Individual patient risk factors may override local resistance patterns
• Ignoring Outpatient vs. Inpatient Differences: Resistance patterns often differ between these settings 5

Additional Resources

• Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA): Provides treatment guidelines that incorporate resistance considerations
• American College of Physicians (ACP): Offers guidance on appropriate antibiotic use based on resistance patterns 2
• Local Academic Medical Centers: Often conduct surveillance and research on regional resistance patterns

Practical Steps to Access Your Local Data

1. Visit the CDC's Antibiotic Resistance Patient Safety Atlas website
2. Contact your hospital's infection control department
3. Reach out to your state health department's infectious disease division
4. Consult with local infectious disease specialists who typically monitor resistance trends

Understanding and utilizing local antibiotic resistance data is essential for optimizing patient outcomes and reducing further development of resistance 6.