National Surveillance and Reporting of Antimicrobial Resistance and Antibiotic Usage for Human Health in Australia

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a leading worldwide threat to the wellbeing of patients, and the safety and quality of health care. \nAlthough they have been available only for the past 80 years, antibiotics are accepted as an essential part of everyday health care, both in hospitals and in the community. Indeed, many current medical practices, such as major abdominal surgery, cancer chemotherapy, organ transplantation, joint replacement and neonatal care, are not possible without their use – without antimicrobials, mortality and morbidity during these procedures would be too great. AMR is developing at an alarming pace. Resistance often occurs within months of the release of new antimicrobials, and the resistance incidence rates outstrip drug discovery and the development of new antibiotics. The world is now facing the very real possibility of a return to non-treatable infections, severe limitations on medical procedures and escalating healthcare costs.\nSurveillance and reporting of AMR and antibiotic usage is central to their prevention and containment. Data generated through surveillance of AMR and antibiotic usage are complementary and fundamental to everyday practices. The report examines international antimicrobial resistance surveillance models, current activities undertaken by Australian surveillance units; activities undertaken by the Australian Group on Antimicrobial Resistance, and the National Antimicrobial Utilisation Program, and examines how reports from routine diagnostic laboratories might provide a source of data to contain antimicrobial resistance.