Related Experiment Videos
The AVMA's definitions of antimicrobial uses for prevention, control, and treatment of disease
Abstract:
Recent state and federal legislative actions and current recommendations from the World Health Organization seem to suggest that, when it comes to antimicrobial stewardship, use of antimicrobials for prevention, control, or treatment of disease can be ranked in order of appropriateness, which in turn has led, in some instances, to attempts to limit or specifically oppose the routine use of medically important antimicrobials for prevention of disease. In contrast, the AVMA Committee on Antimicrobials believes that attempts to evaluate the degree of antimicrobial stewardship on the basis of therapeutic intent are misguided and that use of antimicrobials for prevention, control, or treatment of disease may comply with the principles of antimicrobial stewardship. It is important that veterinarians and animal caretakers are clear about the reason they may be administering antimicrobials to animals in their care. Concise definitions of prevention, control, and treatment of individuals and populations are necessary to avoid confusion and to help veterinarians clearly communicate their intentions when prescribing or recommending antimicrobial use.
Insights
Antimicrobial stewardship guidelines may incorrectly rank appropriateness by therapeutic intent. The AVMA Committee on Antimicrobials advocates for evaluating antimicrobial use based on stewardship principles, not solely intent, emphasizing clear communication for veterinarians.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Antimicrobial Resistance
- Public Health Policy
Background:
- Recent legislative and World Health Organization (WHO) actions suggest ranking antimicrobial use appropriateness by therapeutic intent (prevention, control, treatment).
- This has led to efforts to restrict routine use of medically important antimicrobials for disease prevention in animals.
- The AVMA Committee on Antimicrobials questions the validity of evaluating stewardship based on therapeutic intent alone.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the debate surrounding the evaluation of antimicrobial stewardship based on therapeutic intent.
- To clarify the principles of antimicrobial stewardship in veterinary medicine.
- To emphasize the importance of clear communication regarding the reasons for antimicrobial administration in animals.
Main Methods:
- This study presents a conceptual analysis and position statement from the AVMA Committee on Antimicrobials.
- It reviews current trends in antimicrobial stewardship policy and recommendations.
- It highlights the need for precise definitions in veterinary antimicrobial use.
Main Results:
- The AVMA Committee on Antimicrobials believes that evaluating antimicrobial stewardship by therapeutic intent is misguided.
- Antimicrobial use for prevention, control, or treatment can align with stewardship principles.
- Clear definitions of prevention, control, and treatment are crucial for appropriate application.
Conclusions:
- Veterinarians and animal caretakers must understand the rationale behind antimicrobial administration.
- Misguided attempts to rank antimicrobial use by intent can undermine effective stewardship.
- Accurate definitions are essential for veterinarians to communicate antimicrobial use intentions effectively.