Antimicrobial Resistance

Antimicrobial agents are considered "miracle drugs" that are our leading weapons in the treatment of infectious diseases. Antimicrobial resistance is the ability of microorganisms to withstand attack by antimicrobials, and the growing rise in resistant pathogens threatens lives and wastes limited healthcare resources.

Microbes and Antimicrobial Agents

Antimicrobial agents are medicines used to treat infections by bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses. The discovery of antimicrobials is one of the most important advances in health in human history - decreasing suffering from disease and saving lives.

The rise in resistant microorganisms

The use and misuse of antimicrobials over the past 70 years has led to a relentless rise in the number and types of microorganisms resistant to the action of these medicines - leading to death, increased suffering and disability, and higher healthcare costs.

What can be done?

Two factors drive the rise and spread of resistant microbes: 1. Overuse and misuse of antimicrobials and 2. the spread of resistant organisms between individuals, communities, and countries. Consequently, interventions are needed in two areas:

Containment of Antimicrobial Resistance

Urgent action is required at local, national, and international levels to ensure the adequate treatment of patients today and the preservation of the life-saving power of antimicrobials for future generations.

WHO PROGRAMMES AND ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE :: Child and Adolescent Health and Development :: Food Safety and Zoonoses :: Global Malaria Programme :: HIV/AIDS Department :: Infection Control :: Patient Safety :: Reproductive Health and Research :: Stop TB Department

DOCUMENTS AND PUBLICATIONS - Antimicrobial Resistance Freqently Asked Questions (< 100K) - Fact Sheet: Antimicrobial resistance (< 100K) (2002) - Antimicrobial Resistance Document Centre ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE OUTSIDE OF WHO HEADQUARTERS :: WHO Regional Offices :: WHO Collaborating Centres :: Other Organizations and Links

Surveillance of antimicrobial resistance
WHONET Software

Surveillance of antimicrobial use
Guidelines and ABC Calc

Information for specific pathogens and diseases
Document Centre for resources on specific organisms and disease issues

Manual for the laboratory identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of bacterial pathogens of public health concern in the developing world
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