[Antibiotic stewardship-an update : Ongoing development of an initiative]

The burden of disease caused by infections with antibiotic-resistant bacteria is increasing worldwide. The reason for this is the inappropriate use of antibiotics. In addition to the development of new antibiotics, their rational use is crucial to slowing down the development of resistance. Antibiotic stewardship makes an important contribution to reducing the use of antibiotics by implementing programs, particularly in hospitals. In addition, "diagnostic stewardship" supports the targeted use of infectiological diagnostics to avoid mis- and overdiagnosis, thereby optimizing anti-infective therapy. The critical review of suspected penicillin allergies ("delabeling") also promotes the sensible use of antibiotics. Findings from healthcare research on antibiotics and diagnostic stewardship are increasingly being incorporated into infectiology and sector-specific guidelines.