Antimicrobial Resistance

AMR Infographic. — Source: American Society for ��ý

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.

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Mechanisms of Resistance

Article Heteroresistance: An Insidious Form of Antibiotic Resistance

Heteroresistance occurs when some bacteria in a population are susceptible to an antibiotic while others are resistant. How does it develop, and how can scientists tackle this clinical conundrum?

Article The Role of Bacterial Biofilms in Antimicrobial Resistance

Biofilms can impact antimicrobial efficacy, as well as the immune response, contributing to antimicrobial resistance and allowing the establishment of persistent or chronic infections.

Microcosm Article Understanding the Risk of Antifungal Resistance

How common is antifungal resistance? Who is at risk? What pathogens are of particular concern, and how significant is the overall threat?

Article Plasmids and the Spread of Antibiotic Resistance Genes

Bacteria sharing their antibiotic resistance genes is a primary perpetuator of the ongoing AMR crisis. Research sheds light on how S. Typhimurium does so, even without antibiotic pressure.

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.

Read the Policy Paper

Gloved hand holding petri dish with microorganisms.
Source: iStock

��ý actively works with federal and global partners to advance legislation to combat AMR and other health threats.

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Developing Solutions

Article Hunting for Antibiotics in Unusual and Unculturable Microbes

As the antimicrobial resistance crisis grows, so does the need to discover new antibiotics. To find them, scientists are sifting through extracts from unusual and (once) unculturable microbes.

Articles Fighting Foodborne Pathogens with Natural Antimicrobials

Foodborne illness is a serious public health concern. Natural antimicrobials from plants (essential oils) and bacteria (bacteriocins) can help ward off food-borne pathogens and spoilage microbes.

Articles Antibiotic Adjuvants for Combatting Antimicrobial Resistance

Used alongside antibiotics to minimize or block bacterial resistance, antibiotic adjuvants are key for preserving the activity of existing drugs amidst the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance.

Article Turning Science into Policy: Your Voice Matters

A researcher’s place is more than just in the lab. Discover how to turn your science into policy through the lens of combating antimicrobial resistance.

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.

Engage in Discussions About Antimicrobial Agents and Resistance

Join experts in antimicrobial agents and resistance (AAR) for a discussion on the latest issues impacting the field. Each quarter, panelists gather for a 1-hour virtual panel discussion on a predetermined topic. This quarterly panel is free for ASM members. Join or renew your membership today!

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AMR Susceptibility and Stewardship

Article AMR Surveillance in Tanzania

Through the support of the Fleming Fund phase II grant, we are working alongside public health experts in Tanzania to enhance laboratory capabilities, produce high-quality data and streamline surveillance activities

Article Combination Antibiotic Testing: When 2 Drugs are Better than 1 (or 2)

Combination therapy also has potential advantages beyond preventing the emergence of resistance: a second drug may enhance the activity of the first, for example, or may inhibit the activity of a resistance mechanism.

Article All Together Now Part 1: Cohesive Antimicrobial Stewardship

Antibiotic stewardship aims include the development of diagnostic tests and optimization of their use, vaccine development and infection prevention.

Article The Role of Clinical Education in The Stewardship Movement

Education is a key part of any stewardship intervention, and the CDC lists it as 1 of the 7 core elements of hospital antimicrobial stewardship.

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Resources Antimicrobial Resistance