Authors: Jarlier V, Diaz Högberg L, Heuer OE, Campos J, Eckmanns T, Giske CG, Grundmann H, Johnson AP, Kahlmeter G, Monen J, Pantosti A, Rossolini GM, van de Sande-Bruinsma N, Vatopoulos A, Żabicka D, Žemličková H, Monnet DL, Simonsen GS; Ears-Net Participants

Conclusion

We observed a strong correlation in bloodstream infections between on the one hand the countries with most intrinsically resistant Gram-negative species, indicating the burden of intrinsic resistance, and on the other hand the percentage of acquired non-susceptibility in these species. This important information adds to the already well-established arguments for a strong reduction in the consumption of antibiotics, particularly those with broad-spectrum activity, which exert a selective pressure on all types of resistant bacteria. It also reinforces the crucial importance of measures to prevent host-to-host cross-transmission of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, not only to control acquired resistance in every bacterial species but also to limit the burden of infections caused by species such as P. aeruginosa and Acinetobacter spp., in which intrinsic resistance per se represents a therapeutic problem.

Euro Surveillance : Bulletin Europeen Sur Les Maladies Transmissibles = European  Communicable Disease Bulletin