Antibiotic stewardship: a European perspective

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• The escalating global crisis of bacterial resistance necessitates effective strategies.
• Antibiotic stewardship programmes (ASPs) are vital interventions to optimize antibiotic prescribing.
• Responsible antibiotic use is critical to preserve treatment efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review international and national initiatives in antibiotic stewardship, with a focus on Europe.
• To discuss the pivotal role of clinical microbiologists in ASPs.
• To explore future perspectives and developments in antibiotic stewardship.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of international and European antibiotic stewardship programmes.
• Analysis of the contributions of clinical microbiology to stewardship efforts.
• Discussion of emerging trends and future directions in the field.

Main Results:

• ASPs are implemented globally, with significant national and European initiatives.
• Clinical microbiologists play a key role in guiding appropriate antibiotic selection and use.
• Ongoing efforts focus on enhancing surveillance, diagnostics, and novel therapeutic strategies.

Conclusions:

• Antibiotic stewardship programmes are essential for combating antimicrobial resistance.
• Multidisciplinary collaboration, particularly with clinical microbiologists, is fundamental to successful stewardship.
• Continued innovation and strategic planning are required to address future challenges in antibiotic resistance.