Antimicrobial Stewardship

Links to public health resources to improve how antibiotics and antifungals are prescribed by clinicians and used by patients.

Antimicrobial resistance is a threat to public health worldwide. The misuse of antibiotics and antifungals is accelerating the process of resistance. A growing number of serious infections (such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, gonorrhea, and salmonellosis) are becoming harder to treat as the antibiotics used to treat them become less effective.

Antimicrobial resistance leads to longer hospital stays, higher medical costs, and increased mortality. For example, each year in the United States, at least 2.8 million people contract antimicrobial-resistant infections, and at least 35,000 people die as a result. Worldwide, resistance to antimicrobial medication kills at least 1.27 million people annually.

The goal of antimicrobial stewardship is to cure patient infections while at the same time minimizing the risks of antibiotic and antifungal resistance and adverse side effects from antibiotics. An antimicrobial stewardship strategy includes reducing the spread of bacteria in healthcare settings, educating patients on antibiotic use, and following clinical guidelines on whether to prescribe antibiotics and on prescribing the right antibiotic at the right dose for the right duration. Antifungal medications should be included as part of antimicrobial stewardship programs.

VisualDx is committed to supporting healthcare professionals in this important effort.

CDC Antibiotic Prescribing and Use – For Patients

Information for patients from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on common illnesses and when antibiotics are and aren’t needed.

CDC Pediatric Treatment Recommendations

The most recent principles of appropriate antibiotic prescribing for children in an outpatient setting for acute rhinosinusitis, acute otitis media, bronchiolitis, pharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, and urinary tract infection.

CDC Adult Treatment Recommendations

The most recent principles of appropriate antibiotic prescribing for adults in an outpatient setting for acute rhinosinusitis, acute uncomplicated bronchitis, pharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, and acute uncomplicated cystitis.

CDC Antimicrobial-Resistant Fungal Diseases

Resistant fungi include Aspergillus, certain Candida species and strains, and certain dermatophytes (fungi causing ringworm). Candida auris, a newer species, is particularly resistant to antifungal drugs and can spread quickly in healthcare settings.

ISDA Practice Guidelines

Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) guidelines to assist practitioners and patients in healthcare decisions, including diagnostic testing and antimicrobial treatment as well as disease prevention. View an alphabetical list of guidelines, or filter guidelines by organ system, infectious organism, and more.