OrgTRx: A Platform Developed in Queensland for the Extraction and Visualisation of Antimicrobial Susceptibility Data for the Surveillance of Resistance in Microorganisms

The OrgTRx platform is a system designed in Queensland, Australia, for the capture of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) surveillance data. The data is captured directly from Microbiology Laboratory Information Systems. The most common use of this data is to create facility-specific antibiograms for hospitals and other healthcare facilities. We report on the methods adopted to extract susceptibility results from participating pathology services for AMR surveillance across Australia. OrgTRx receives standardised extracts of antimicrobial susceptibility data from laboratory information systems. This data is validated, verified and incorporated into a database each month. For visualisation by clinical users, the data is displayed in a data cube. The data that is received in this standardised format can be used to review trends in resistance by organism and geographical location of patients presenting with a wide range of infections across Australia. This information can be used to identify areas that require additional resources to combat AMR. The OrgTRx data cube provides clinicians with the tools to create facility-specific antibiograms as well as monitor trends in resistance in pathogens of interest. Increased laboratory capacity and capability, along with adequate funding of surveillance systems, will provide high-quality information to inform the implementation of strategies to prevent the spread of AMR.