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International comparison of prevalence of resistance to antibiotics
Abstract:
Prevalence of bacterial resistance to antibiotics was found to be substantially different in two separate regions of the world. The average percent resistant to individual antibiotics was nearly three times greater, and the percent of isolates resistant to six or more antibiotics 14 times greater among isolates at the Hôpital St Joseph in Paris than among those at the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital in Boston or at any of six US hospitals. Differences were not due to culture sampling or susceptibility testing methods used in the hospitals. Differences were nearly as great between isolates from patients recently admitted to the two hospitals, suggesting differences in the bacterial flora of their communities. Similar systematic comparisons of resistance prevalence in different parts of the world might help to define optimal antibiotic usage practices.
Insights
Bacterial antibiotic resistance is significantly higher in Paris than in the US. This global difference in antibiotic resistance may stem from community bacterial flora, impacting optimal antibiotic use.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health concern.
- Geographical variations in antibiotic resistance patterns are observed but require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the prevalence of bacterial resistance to antibiotics between two distinct geographical regions: Paris, France, and Boston, USA.
- To investigate potential reasons for observed differences in antibiotic resistance.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of bacterial isolates from Hôpital St Joseph (Paris) and Peter Bent Brigham Hospital (Boston) along with six other US hospitals.
- Assessment of resistance to individual antibiotics and multidrug resistance (resistance to six or more antibiotics).
- Evaluation of potential confounding factors such as culture sampling and susceptibility testing methods.
Main Results:
- Bacterial isolates from Paris exhibited significantly higher resistance rates compared to those from Boston and other US hospitals.
- Average percent resistance to individual antibiotics was nearly three times greater in Paris.
- Percent of isolates resistant to six or more antibiotics was 14 times greater in Paris, with similar differences noted in recently admitted patients.
Conclusions:
- Substantial geographical disparities exist in bacterial antibiotic resistance prevalence.
- Differences in community bacterial flora are a likely contributor to these resistance patterns.
- Systematic global comparisons of resistance are crucial for defining optimal antibiotic stewardship practices.