AMR Infographic.
Source: American Society for Microbiology

Adaptation is a natural consequence of exposure to antimicrobials that makes antimicrobial resistance (decreased sensitivity to antimicrobial agents) inevitable and irreversible. The overuse of antimicrobial agents in medicine, production of food animals and crop protection have caused increasing resistance to those agents.


As existing antimicrobial agents decline in effectiveness, infections will be more difficult and expensive to treat and epidemics harder to control. The World Health Organization (WHO) projects the terrifying prospect of 10 million AMR-related deaths per year globally by 2050.

Key Causes of AMR:

  • Over-prescription of antimicrobials.
  • Shortened courses or incomplete compliance with antimicrobial treatment.
  • Antimicrobial overuse in livestock and fish farming.
  • Poor infection control in health care settings.
  • Poor hygiene and sanitation.
  • Limited discovery of new antimicrobials.
AMR genes are incredibly promiscuous, circulating through humans, animals, plants and the environment, and implementing a One Health approach is key to combatting the spread of resistance.

Featured Content

AMR Policy and Advocacy Initiatives

Policy to Combat AMR

ASM recommends steps for policymakers that prioritize science and the roles of microbiologists to combat AMR.

Gloved hand holding petri dish with microorganisms.
Gloved hand holding petri dish with microorganisms.
Source: iStock

Hear From Experts

Diagnosing Tuberculosis in Developing Countries With Aureliana Chambal Chilengue

Solving the challenges faced in diagnosing Tuberculosis (TB) in low-income countries, specifically in Mozambique. ASM Young Ambassador of Science To Mozambique, Aureliana Chambal Chilengue, details the limitations encountered in TB diagnosis, poor access to TB services due to misconceptions and myths (stigma and discrimination), the weak laboratory network for diagnosis, and the emergence of drug-resistant strains

 



EiC invites trainees, who will be the next generation of outstanding researchers in the field of AMR, to discuss pathways to work on antimicrobial resistance.

Rethinking Antimicrobial Resistance With Amy Mathers, M.D., D(ABMM)

For over a century, we've waged war against microbes, but it's time to recognize the essential role beneficial bacteria play in our health. By protecting these "good" microbes, we can mitigate the collateral damage caused by antimicrobials and disinfectants, reducing the selection pressure that drives antimicrobial resistance. Re-framing our relationship with bacteria may be key to combatting this global health threat.

 


Develop Your Antimicrobial Stewardship Program

Hear from experts in the field as they take an in-depth look at the core concepts for a successful antimicrobial stewardship program. This 4-part webinar series is available for download/purchase, with CE credit, until Oct. 31, 2024.

Access the Webinar Series

Antimicrobial Resistance