There has been an increased focus on the microbiology laboratory over the past year due to Covid-19. However, antibiotic resistance has not diminished. In fact, with the more frequent usage of antibiotics for both inpatients and outpatients, antibiotic resistance has increased.
The importance of accurate MICs and susceptibility has been explained in this webinar, in the context of what antibiotic resistance is clinically relevant today. For Gram-negative organisms, carbapenem resistance and ESBL production are at critical on the World Health Organization list. Resistance to colistin is also important. For Gram-positive organisms, MRSAs and vancomycin resistance have historically been important – and continue today. There are some new antibiotics, particularly for gram-negative organisms. However, it is important to remember the basic concepts of antimicrobial stewardship so that these new antibiotics will continue to be effective.
Learning Objectives
- Identify current challenges in today’s microbiology – not related to COVID
- Know the importance of MICs and susceptibility testing
- Know what antibiotic resistance is clinically important today – WHO Antibiotic Resistance Threats
- Know some basic concepts of antimicrobial stewardship in an era of bacterial resistance
- Know some facts about new key antibiotics – especially those to treat gram-negative infections
