From the Guidelines
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major threat to human health, and its importance cannot be overstated, as it is responsible for approximately 1.27 million deaths worldwide each year and contributes to nearly 5 million deaths, as reported in the most recent study 1. The future role of AMR will be determined by our collective response to this threat, which includes implementing antimicrobial stewardship programs in healthcare settings, developing new antibiotics and alternative treatments, improving infection prevention and control measures, reducing antibiotic use in agriculture, and enhancing surveillance systems to track resistance patterns, as emphasized in the guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control of infections caused by carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacilli 1. Some key points to consider in addressing AMR include:
- The overuse and misuse of antimicrobial drugs in humans, animals, and agriculture are primary drivers of AMR, as noted in the study on the diagnosis and management of infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria 1
- The lack of high-quality evidence for some recommendations is a limitation, but further studies oriented by clinical problems will be needed to address knowledge gaps and help inform the choice of optimal antimicrobial therapy for AMR infections, as recognized in the guidelines 1
- Individual actions matter, and patients should only take antibiotics when prescribed, complete the full course even when feeling better, never share antibiotics, and practice good hygiene to prevent infection spread, as highlighted in the study on WHO's essential medicines and AWaRe: recommendations on first- and second-choice antibiotics for empiric treatment of clinical infections 1
- Success in addressing AMR requires coordinated global action across sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, environment, and industry, as emphasized in the study on the global action plan on AMR 1 The most recent and highest-quality study 1 provides the strongest evidence for the importance of addressing AMR and the need for a collective response to this threat. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize antimicrobial stewardship, develop new antibiotics and alternative treatments, and improve infection prevention and control measures to mitigate the impact of AMR on human health, as recommended in the guidelines 1 and supported by the evidence 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Importance of AMR
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant public health issue of global concern, with the potential to threaten tens of millions of lives and pose major global economic and development challenges 2, 3.
- The overuse and misuse of antimicrobials, particularly antibiotics, are prominent causes contributing to the current AMR crisis 2.
- AMR increases morbidity and mortality, and is associated with high economic costs due to its healthcare burden 4.
Role of AMR in the Future
- If left unaddressed, AMR could lead to a return to the pre-antibiotic era, where everyday infections could be potentially life-threatening 2.
- The consequences of failure to adequately address AMR are profound, with estimations of 10 million deaths per year globally by 2050 2.
- Success in addressing AMR will involve individuals, communities, and nations working together to ensure the continued availability of effective antimicrobials for human and animal health 2.
Strategies for Addressing AMR
- Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is a critical strategy for addressing AMR, promoting the rational use of antimicrobials to preserve their future effectiveness 5, 4, 6.
- The "One Health" approach, a holistic and multisectoral approach, is also needed to address the rising threat of AMR 4, 2.
- Public awareness and health literacy are essential components of global and local action plans to address AMR 2.
- Strengthening the science of addressing AMR through research on policy interventions is crucial for informing evidence-based decisions and actions 3.