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Antimicrobial Resistance

Overview

Antimicrobial resistance occurs when organisms are resistant to antimicrobial agents that would usually be used for treatment of an infection. Antimicrobial resistance develops when organisms are exposed to antimicrobial agents through clinical therapy and use in the agricultural setting. The overuse, misuse and abuse of antibiotics is the leading factor that contributes to the continued development of antimicrobial resistance. Use of antibiotics in the agricultural setting to promote the growth of feed animals also impacts the development of antimicrobial resistance.

How antimicrobial resistance spreads

Antimicrobial resistance can be transmitted from person-to-person, from organisms that are persistent in the environment, or from resistant bacteria that contaminate food.

Source: CDC

Prevention of Antimicrobial Resistance

The best way to prevent the development of antimicrobial resistance is through the judicious use of antimicrobials. Patients can ensure judicious antimicrobial use by:

  • Talking to your healthcare provider about measures to relieve symptoms without using antibiotics
  • Taking prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed by your healthcare provider
  • Never pressuring your healthcare provider for an antibiotic prescription
  • Never saving antibiotics for the next time you are sick

Healthcare professionals can help prevent the spread of antimicrobial resistance by:

  • Prescribing an antibiotic that targets the bacteria that is most likely causing the infection
  • Not treating asymptomatic colonized patients
  • Prescribing an antibiotic only when it will benefit the patient

IDOH Indiana Regional Education (IRE) Event

The Indiana Department of Health held regional education events on MDROs with a focus on Project Firstline, carbapenemase-producing organisms (CPO), Candida auris, vancomycin-intermediate and vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VISA/VRSA), Pan-drug resistant organisms, and infection prevention practices as they pertain to MDROs.

Infection preventionists, nurses, patient care attendants, environmental service workers, hospital leaders, and others were encouraged to attend.

Recordings of the education events can be found below.

Page last updated: March 2024