Antimicrobial Stewardship: When Less is More

Background: Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a growing concern and arises when conventional drugs become ineffective against germs. It is expected that in 2050 bacterial infections will be the leading cause of death, surpassing cancer and diabetes and it will be an economic burden worldwide. AMR is mainly caused by inappropriate use of antibiotics and at the same time and it is supported by a slow development of new antibiotics. Several studies demonstrated that Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASPs) helped reduce antibiotic consumption and decrease AMR incidence. Objectives: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of ASPs on antibiotics consumption and AMR spread in a Southern Italy. Methods: The new Antimicrobial Stewardship Committee of the hospital started applying infection control guidelines and WHO recommendations on antibiotic consumption. Antibiotic consumption, expressed in Defined Daily Dose (DDD)/100 bed-days and AMR spread were measured before and after ASPs. Results: The results of the study showed a decreasing of both consumption of antibiotics, from 52.1 to 38.6 DDD/100 bed-days and the rate of infections. Conclusion: ASPs are an important measure in the fight against AMR, they have proven to limit its spread, reduce antibiotic consumption and lower healthcare costs.