1. Introducción
Introduction to Antimicrobial Resistance
Overview of the Course
- This course focuses on antimicrobial resistance and advanced technological tools for its surveillance, organized by the WHO Collaborating Center in Mexico. It features various experts in the field.
Course Structure
- The course consists of 10 modules covering laboratory tools used for monitoring antimicrobial resistance, starting with basic concepts of antimicrobials and their mechanisms of action and resistance.
- Methodologies for analyzing susceptibility to antimicrobials will be discussed, including molecular biology techniques for identifying resistance genes and genome sequencing.
Global Importance of Antimicrobial Resistance
Impact on Health
- Antimicrobial resistance reduces treatment options for diseases caused by resistant microorganisms, posing a global health threat that affects both human and animal health.
- The rise of multidrug-resistant bacteria leads to severe consequences such as longer illnesses, increased mortality rates, prolonged hospital stays, and higher healthcare costs.
Societal Effects
- Beyond direct health risks, antimicrobial resistance has broader implications for public health and societal development, affecting economic stability due to loss of productivity from illness.
- Investments are needed in long-term strategies like financial support for developing countries to create new medications and strengthen healthcare systems.
Global Action Plan Against Antimicrobial Resistance
Objectives of the Global Action Plan
- Approved by WHO member states in 2015, this plan aims to ensure effective treatment options remain available while promoting responsible use of antimicrobials accessible to all who need them.
- Five strategic objectives have been established: improving knowledge through effective communication; strengthening scientific bases via surveillance; reducing infection incidence; optimizing antimicrobial use; advocating sustainable investment arguments.
National Action Plans
- Countries are encouraged to develop national action plans aligned with global guidelines that address local realities regarding antimicrobial resistance challenges. As of now, 177 countries have created their plans with about 36 more in progress.
Target Audience for the Course
Intended Participants
Analysis of Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing Methods
Development and Standards in Antimicrobial Testing
- Various methods for antimicrobial susceptibility analysis have evolved over time, emphasizing the need for internationally recognized laboratory standards to ensure reliable results.
- The choice of guidelines for testing depends on regional reference definitions; for instance, Latin American health laboratories commonly adopt CLSI standards as a consensus approach.
- There is a strong agreement that laboratories providing data to antimicrobial resistance surveillance must adhere to recognized quality management schemes, ensuring good practices and strict quality controls aligned with international directives like EUCAST and CLSI.
Importance of Surveillance in Antimicrobial Resistance
- The course aims to contribute significantly to Spanish-speaking audiences regarding technological aspects of resistance surveillance, highlighting its critical role in assessing the burden of antimicrobial resistance.