Antimicrobial resistance
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the resistance of a microorganism to an antimicrobial medicine to which it was previously sensitive. It develops when a microorganism mutates or acquires a resistance gene. Resistant organisms (including bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa and helminths) are able to withstand attack by antimicrobial medicines such as antibiotics, antivirals and antimalarials, so that standard treatments become ineffective and infections persist and may spread to other people.
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Of all human diseases, 60% originate in animals – “One Health” is the only way to keep antibiotics workingAntibiotic resistance is a growing threat to global health. Many of the same microbes affect both animals and humans via the environment they share. One sector alone will not solve the problem; a “One Health” approach is needed.
News
- Calls for enhancing the responsible use of medicines to reduce antimicrobial resistance
- Reliable surveillance helps combat antimicrobial resistance: CAESAR report shows progress
- Of all human diseases, 60% originate in animals – “One Health” is the only way to keep antibiotics working
Multimedia
Video statement by Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mary of Denmark for World Antibiotic Awareness Week (WAAW) 2018
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Key resource
Central Asian and Eastern European Surveillance on Antimicrobial Resistance (CAESAR)A joint initiative to survey, contain and prevent the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance in the European Region.
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Publications
Central Asian and Eastern European Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance. Annual report 2017
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Data and statistics
25 000
The number of people out of 400 000 who die every year in the European Region due to an infection with a resistant bacterial strain.
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