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.
Featured Content
Mechanisms of Resistance
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.
The American Society for Microbiology actively works with federal and global partners to advance legislation to combat AMR and other health threats.
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- ASM Policy Recommendations to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance.
- ASM Recommends Priorities for U.S. Delegation to UN General Assembly.
- ASM Responds to PACCARB on Addressing AMR.
- ASM Applauds Introduction of FORWARD Act.
- ASM Responds to Environmental Protection Agency on Antimicrobial Resistance Assessment Framework.
- ASM Offers Endorsement of PASTEUR Act.
- ASM Recommendations for Cures Legislation Next Steps.
Downloadable Factsheets
Developing Solutions
Hear From Experts
Diagnosing Tuberculosis in Developing Countries With Aureliana Chambal Chilengue
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)
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