Antibiotic Prescribing and Antimicrobial Resistance from an Australian Perspective

In Australia, the overuse or inappropriate prescribing of antimicrobials in health (human and animal) and agriculture is a concern that has increased over the years. This has given bacteria, fungi, parasites, and some viruses through exposure more opportunity to develop resistance. A process of artificial and natural selection, which favors microorganisms in developing the strongest natural defenses increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Appropriate use of antimicrobials can be lifesaving to humans and animals, but inappropriate use needs to be closely monitored and acted on to promote improved safety and quality of care. Inappropriate use includes prescribing antimicrobials when they are not necessary, prescribing the wrong type of antimicrobial and prescribing them for the incorrect duration. This short report reviews and summarizes some of the efforts used in Australia to control AMR and antibiotic prescribing.