Antimicrobial resistance refers to microbes’ ability to change and become less susceptible to drugs. The development of antimicrobial drugs (antibacterials [antibiotics], antivirals, antifungals and antiparasitics) to treat otherwise life-threatening infections has been one of the most notable medical achievements in human history. The growing problem of resistance has undermined antimicrobials’ effectiveness resulting in the loss of countless lives and placing public health and national security at serious risk. IDSA is working on several policy fronts to counter these “bad bugs” and to save lives.
If you or a loved one have been devastated by an antibiotic resistant bacterial infection and you would like to share your story, please contact Jennifer Morales.
Antimicrobial Stewardship Podcast
Tune in to this 60-min podcast with IDSA member experts who define and develop stewardship programs in a variety of practice settings as they discuss changes on the national level to antimicrobial stewardship including CMS’s new Condition of Participation requirement and the CDC’s revised Core Elements.
Strengthening U.S. Efforts
IDSA supports legislative and administrative efforts to strengthen the U.S. response to antimicrobial resistance including through enhanced coordination and leadership, surveillance, prevention and control, and research efforts.
Antibiotic Development: The 10 x '20 Initiative
New antibiotics are desperately needed to save patients' lives, but few new drugs are in pharmaceutical companies' research and development (R&D) pipelines. IDSA is working to counter this decline through the 10 x '20 Initiative, which seeks a global commitment to create an antibiotic R&D enterprise powerful enough to produce 10 new systemic antibiotics by the year 2020.
Ending Non-Judicious Use of Antibiotics in Agriculture
Infectious diseases physicians, public health experts and others are greatly concerned about non-judicious uses of antibiotics in agriculture and particularly in food animals. A large and compelling body of scientific evidence demonstrates that antibiotic use in agriculture contributes to the emergence of resistant bacteria and their spread to humans.
Faces of Antimicrobial Resistance: The Human Cost of Antimicrobial Resistance
Many patients and their families have suffered the debilitating effects of antibiotic-resistant infections, and more and more patients are losing their lives due to these infections. These compelling and heart-wrenching stories engender a strong sense of urgency to address drug-resistant infections and the lack of new antibiotic development.