“Antibiotic resistance continues to pose a major threat to public health not only in the U.S., but across the globe. The American Medical Association (AMA) is pleased that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released an updated report on antibiotic resistance threats. The report is critical to understanding the current burden of antibiotic resistance on human health in the United States as well as progress in preventing infections and deaths. 

“While the CDC’s report shows that progress has been made over the past few years to stem antibiotic resistant infections, it also shines a light on the emerging sources of antibiotic resistant infections that will continue to threaten public health if not controlled. We must all remain vigilant in combatting the spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria in both the health care setting and in our communities.

“It is extremely important that we take steps to prevent infections in the first place, this includes following infection control and prevention recommendations and receiving recommended vaccinations. It is also critical to take steps to ensure the appropriate use of antibiotics across all health care settings. To that end, the AMA is currently working to identify gaps and barriers to implementing antibiotic stewardship in outpatient health care facilities.

“We will continue to work together with the federal government, policymakers and other stakeholders on ways to address antibiotic resistance and protect public health.”

The AMA has long supported efforts to prevent the spread of drug-resistant organisms in health care facilities and communities. Specifically, the AMA has adopted numerous policies and advocated for legislation over the years supporting efforts to address antibiotic resistance, including reducing barriers to antibiotic development through incentives. Because antibiotics are important in the treatment of human infections, existing AMA policy also calls for continued education on appropriate antibiotic use as well as bringing an end to the practice of using medically-important antibiotics for growth promotion in animals. 

As part of its efforts to combat the spread of antimicrobial resistant infections, the AMA Ed Hub^TM contains a collection of educational resources for physicians focused on antibiotic use, resistance, and stewardship.