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[Development of antimicrobial resistance in Germany : What is the current situation?]

F Maechler1, C Geffers2, F Schwab2

  • 1Institut für Hygiene und Umweltmedizin, Nationales Referenzzentrum für die Surveillance von Nosokomialen Infektionen, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 27, 12203, Berlin, Deutschland. friederike.maechler@charite.de.

Abstract

Insights

Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) are rising globally. While methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) remains stable, vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) and multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria (MRGN) show significant increases, requiring targeted control strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Public Health Surveillance

Background:

  • Increasing global prevalence of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO).
  • Growing concern over antimicrobial resistance in healthcare settings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present current MDRO resistance rates and prevalence in Germany.
  • To inform public health strategies for combating MDRO.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of data from the Antibiotic Resistance Surveillance (ARS) system.
  • Utilizing results from the Hospital Infection Surveillance Systems (KISS).
  • Inclusion of data from recent prevalence surveys.

Main Results:

  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) rates remain stable.
  • Significant increase in vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) prevalence (tripled in 5 years).
  • Substantial rise in multidrug-resistant gram-negative (MRGN) bacteria, including a 43% increase in resistant Escherichia coli in 2015.

Conclusions:

  • Control strategies must prioritize VRE and MRGN bacteria.
  • Tailored approaches considering specific bacterial species within the MRGN group are necessary.

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