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.
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 will be holding regional education events on MDROs with a focus on Project Firstline, carbapenemase-producing organisms (CPO), Candida auris, screening, and infection prevention practices as they pertain to MDROs.
Infection preventionists, nurses, patient care attendants, environmental service workers, hospital leaders, and others are encouraged to attend.
Registration for 2026 Event
Other Resources
- CDC Antibiotic Resistance Threats in the United States, 2019
- CDC Interim Guidance for a Public Health Response to Contain Novel or Targeted MDROs
- CDC Public Health Strategies to Prevent the Spread of Novel and Targeted MDROs
- CDC Antibiotic Resistance Investments
- CDC Healthcare-Associated Infections
- CDC Antibiotic Prescribing and Use
- IDOH Healthcare-Associated Infections
- IDOH Antimicrobial Stewardship
Page last updated: September 2026
