The continuing emergence of pathogenic microorganisms that are resistant to first-line antimicrobials is a cause of increasing concern. This emergence is associated with higher levels of mortality
and morbidity which not only impacts on patients but also increases the burden on health care
services as a result of additional diagnostic testing, prolonged hospital stay and increased intensity and
duration of treatment. Although the mechanisms by which organisms acquire resistance are often well understood, including the selective pressures arising from exposure to antimicrobials, the precise role of drug usage in selection of drug resistance has yet to be fully elucidated. Nonetheless, there is evidence to suggest
that more prudent usage of antimicrobials particularly in the treatment of human disease, but also in
veterinary practice, animal husbandry and agriculture, could make a significant impact on the pace
and extent to which resistance emerges in microorganisms pathogenic to man.To be effective, the control and prevention of infection due to resistant microorganisms must be an integral part of the prevention and management of communicable diseases in general. Thus, describing the distribution of infection due to resistant organisms within populations, together with changes in patterns of those infections over time,
provides the basic information for action both to control disease caused by resistant microorganisms
and to contain the emergence of resistance. Used in conjunction with disease prevention and infection
control procedures and data on antibiotic usage, strategies can be developed to protect the public
health now and in the future.
http://whqlibdoc.who.int/hq/2002/WHO_CDS_CSR_DRS_2001.5.pdf
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