{"id":2326,"date":"2017-07-05T13:52:08","date_gmt":"2017-07-05T17:52:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/phosdev.com\/todaysveterinarynurse\/?post_type=articles&p=2326"},"modified":"2022-01-05T16:11:25","modified_gmt":"2022-01-05T16:11:25","slug":"rise-in-antimicrobial-resistance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarynurse.com\/practice-management\/rise-in-antimicrobial-resistance\/","title":{"rendered":"What Does a Rise in Antimicrobial Resistance Mean?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Implications of Antimicrobial Resistance for Companion Animal Practice<\/h2>\n

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) arises when bacteria develop the ability to grow in the presence of antimicrobial drugs. This phenomenon is a natural evolutionary process of bacteria but develops more rapidly through misuse and overuse of antimicrobials.1<\/sup> Resistance minimizes the medication options to treat bacterial infections and can challenge veterinarians\u2019 ability to provide effective therapy.<\/p>\n

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Welcome to VET Report Vitals, a column focused on the results of the groundbreaking Banfield Veterinary Emerging Topics (VET) Report\u2122<\/em> \u201cAre We Doing Our Part to Prevent Superbugs? Antimicrobial Usage Patterns Among Companion Animal Veterinarians.\u201d This report, a collaboration between the NAVC and Banfield Pet Hospital, focuses on a critical topic: antimicrobial resistance (AMR). It aims to promote prudent antimicrobial use among companion animal practitioners by contributing a baseline of antimicrobial usage data to the discussion on how to achieve better concordance with published guidelines. <\/span><\/p>\n

This article examines the issue of AMR within the larger \u201cOne Health\u201d context by exploring the implications of AMR for veterinary practitioners, clients, and patients. An upcoming article will discuss effective strategies for improving guideline concordance in daily practice.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\"FIGURE<\/a>

FIGURE 1.<\/strong> The implications of antimicrobial resistance.<\/p><\/div>\n

Antimicrobial-resistant bacteria pose disease management concerns not only because resistant organisms can be directly transmitted between hosts, but also because resistance may be transmitted between bacterial species. Evidence indicates that antimicrobial-resistant bacteria are transmitted bidirectionally between humans and household animals. This has implications for the health of companion animal patients, their owners, and their caretakers. Infection with resistant organisms can lead to longer and more severe infections, increased mortality, and higher costs for treatment.1,2<\/sup> The growing threat of AMR has contributed to an increased scrutiny of antibiotic use practices in both human and veterinary medicine (FIGURE 1)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Given the importance of antimicrobial drugs in combatting infectious disease, the veterinary profession will undoubtedly continue to use antimicrobials to promote animal health. However, given the implications for companion animal veterinary practice and public health, antimicrobial use will ideally become more judicious and specific to minimize AMR. Although the concept of judicious use of antibiotics has been clearly defined3<\/sup> and recommendations for antimicrobial use in certain companion animal disease situations have been developed,4,5<\/sup> there remain opportunities to promote better awareness of and alignment with these guidelines.6<\/sup><\/p>\n

The Team Approach<\/h2>\n

As a veterinary technician, you may be wondering how you can promote prudent use of antimicrobials in your practice. From the receptionist to the veterinary assistant, the entire team can play an important role in antimicrobial stewardship.<\/p>\n

Veterinary Technicians<\/h3>\n

Veterinary technicians have a unique role on the team that enables them to recognize risk factors for infection (BOX 1)<\/strong>, support veterinarians in antimicrobial stewardship, and act as primary client educators. Although the veterinarian is responsible for the diagnosis and treatment plan, veterinary technicians assist with diagnosis and care and can help prevent nosocomial infections in the clinic, thus reducing the potential need for antimicrobials. Specific examples of supporting antimicrobial stewardship include7<\/sup>:<\/p>\n