What is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)?

From the Guidelines

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major threat to human health, requiring immediate attention and action to prevent increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. AMR occurs when microorganisms develop the ability to survive and grow in the presence of antimicrobial drugs, making infections harder to treat 1. The misuse and overuse of antibiotics in humans, animals, and agriculture have accelerated the development of AMR, leading to limited treatment options for infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) 1.

Key Facts About AMR

• AMR is a worldwide priority requiring urgent multisectoral action, as recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) 1
• Misuse and overuse of antibiotics are the main drivers of the emergence and spread of AMR 1
• Healthcare-associated infections caused by MDROs, including Gram-positive bacteria (e.g., methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA) and Gram-negative bacilli (e.g., carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, CRPA), are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality 1
• The most recent European Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network (EARS-Net) report highlighted a substantial proportion of MDROs spreading in several European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) countries 1

Combating AMR

• Healthcare providers should practice antimicrobial stewardship by prescribing antibiotics only when necessary, using the correct drug at the appropriate dose and duration, and following local resistance patterns 1
• Patients should take antibiotics exactly as prescribed, never share medications, and complete the full course even if feeling better
• Prevention strategies include proper hand hygiene, vaccination, infection control measures, and improved surveillance of resistant infections 1

From the FDA Drug Label

The FDA drug label does not answer the question.

From the Research

Definition and Scope of AMR

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a chronic public health problem globally, with a forecast of 10 million deaths per year by 2050 2.
• AMR occurs when microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites do not respond to antimicrobial treatments, allowing them to survive within the host 2.
• The prominent cause of the current AMR crisis is the overuse and misuse of antimicrobials, particularly the inappropriate use of antibiotics 2, 3.

Factors Contributing to AMR

• The development of AMR is influenced by various factors, including social anthropology, civil unrest, diasporas, ethnic displacement, political systems, healthcare, economics, and societal behavior 2.
• The unrestricted use of antimicrobials in livestock feed has been a major contributing factor to the emergence and spread of AMR 3.
• The low level of development of new antimicrobials and the irrational prescribing of antibiotics in developed and developing countries are also significant factors 4.

Consequences of AMR

• The consequences of failing to address AMR are profound, with estimations of a return to the pre-antibiotic era, where everyday infections could be potentially life-threatening 2.
• AMR threatens global public health, with approximately 5 million deaths associated with bacterial AMR in 2019 5.
• The prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria has attained an alarming level worldwide, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality with high financial impact 3.

Strategies to Combat AMR

• Immediate interventions to contain AMR include surveillance and monitoring, minimizing over-the-counter antibiotics, and access to quality and affordable medicines, vaccines, and diagnostics 3.
• A multifaceted and cohesive approach is required to tackle AMR, including increased understanding of mechanisms and drivers, antimicrobial stewardship, and improved infection prevention and control measures 5.
• The development of novel antimicrobial therapeutic strategies and the use of artificial intelligence in addressing AMR are also crucial 5.