Antimicrobial use and emergence of resistance

The use of antimicrobials in one patient can influence future effectiveness in other patients. Appropriate antimicrobial use delays the emergence of resistance and minimises the prevalence of resistance after it has emerged.

To ensure that antimicrobials remain effective for treating important infections, it is crucial to reduce inappropriate antimicrobial prescribing, particularly of cephalosporins, quinolones, carbapenems, beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations, and vancomycin. Selective reporting by the laboratory, where the microbiology report only lists the narrowest‐spectrum antimicrobials and does not include broad-spectrum or inappropriate antimicrobials for the site or indication, can help to reduce inappropriate antimicrobial prescribing. A factsheet about selective reporting is available on the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health care website.

Useful resources about antimicrobial resistance are available from:

• Australian Commission for Safety and Quality in Health Care
• Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in Australia (AURA)
• National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.