Antibiotic-resistant pathogens in the occupational environment

Abstract

Despite the fact that antibiotic resistance is an important and growing public health problem, there is still a low awareness of the threat of drug-resistant microorganisms among the public, healthcare professionals and entrepreneurs not related to health care. It is estimated that antibiotic resistant pathogens are responsible for about 33 000 deaths in the European Union and costs more than EU 1.5 billion euros each year in terms of healthcare costs and productivity losses. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to provide readers with an insight into the mechanisms of drug resistance, pathogenesis and spread, and to analyze available preventive measures to limit their spread in the occupational environment.