European Surveillance of Antimicrobial Consumption (ESAC): outpatient antibiotic use in Europe (1997–2009)

Abstract

Outpatient antibiotic use in Europe measured as DID has increased since 1997, whereas seasonal variation has decreased over time. European Surveillance of Antimicrobial Consumption (ESAC) data on outpatient antibiotic use in Europe enable countries to audit their antibiotic use. Complemented by longitudinal and compositional data analyses, these data provide a tool for assessing public health strategies aimed at reducing antibiotic resistance and optimizing antibiotic prescribing.