Sources of information about antibacterial drugs and antibiotic resistance: results of the study in the Republic of Belarus

Since 1987, the use of antibacterial drugs in Norwegian fish farming has been drastically reduced from about 48 tonnes to approximately 1 tonne annually, varying slightly from year to year. The 649 kg active substance prescribed in 2007 corresponds to approximately 0.03% of the produced biomass being treated once with an antibacterial drug. This is an exceptional figure, particularly when compared with antibacterial drug use in terrestrial animal production or humans. It is therefore highly unlikely that this limited use of antibacterial drugs in farmed fish poses a significant risk to human medicine via the development of antibacterial drug resistance. Among the factors contributing to this favourable situation are: (a) a unique government–industry initiative adopted in the early 1990s to facilitate vaccination against classical furunculosis; (b) development of high-quality vaccines by the pharmaceutical industry; (c) the continuing predominance of vaccination strategies for disease control among fish farmers; (d) adoption of ‘all-in-all-out’ production systems, with mandatory fallowing periods between year classes; and (e) zoning and the spatial re-arrangement of marine production sites to minimize horizontal spread of infections. In Norway, targeted and flexible governance has allowed the rapid implementation of mass vaccination as well as zoo-sanitary measures. The limited use, however, also tends to limit the availability of licensed veterinary drugs in the marketplace. This creates a dilemma that should be addressed as a strategic issue for further long-term development of sustainable industrialized aquaculture.

ObjectivesAfter taking a heavy toll on the world population, the COVID-19 pandemic is now an endemic disease of global public health significance that requires long-term application of control measures, which...

One of the main factors contributing to the spread of antibiotic resistance is the lack of public knowledge about antibiotics. Objective. To identify gaps in public knowledge about antibiotics and antibiotic resistance and the factors with which they are associated. Materials and methods. In this paper, the online survey method (Computer Assisted Web Interviewing — CAWI) was used; the electronic questionnaire was filled in for all regions of the Russian Federation using a questionnaire consisting of 6 blocks and 41 questions. The software package Statistica version 10.0 for Windows and R-studio were used for the statistical processing of the study results. Results. The study included 2.725 participants. The respondents’ knowledge level about antibiotics and antibiotic resistance was satisfactory (9.7 points out of 14) and higher in women than men. Almost all (87.9%) of the study participants knew that frequent and incorrect use of antibiotics reduces their effectiveness and is dangerous. Most (41.6%) respondents believed antibiotics kill viruses and are also effective in ARVI (common cold). Parameters associated with a high level of knowledge about antibiotics were female gender, higher education, purchase of antibiotics on prescription, use of doctor’s recommendations, the Internet and instructions for medicines as the main sources of information about antibiotics, as well as taking drugs as prescribed by a doctor. Parameters associated with a low level of knowledge about antibiotics were taking drugs as recommended by a nurse, lack of information about the harm of inappropriate antibiotics administration, the use of the knowledge (opinions) of the nurse, family members, or friends as the main sources of information about antibiotics. Conclusion. It is necessary to conduct educational activities, promote patient awareness during visits, and increase the doctors’ authority to consider them as the main source of information about antibacterial drugs and increase public knowledge of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance.

Background. Antibiotic resistance is a global threat leading to ineffective treatment of many infectious diseases. One of the factors contributing to an increase in antibiotic resistance is over-the-counter sale of antibiotics.The aim of this study was to establish the sources of antibiotic prescription and to determine the prevalence of self-medication and factors that cause it.Materials and methods. The computer-assisted web interview (CAWI) methodology was used in the study. The questionnaire consisted of six blocks and 41 questions. For statistical analysis of the study results, Statistica for Windows version 10.0 and R-Studio software programs were used.Results. The study involved 2,725 people. Only 50.9% of the respondents purchased antibiotics with a prescription or got them during hospitalization. Parameters associated with over-the-counter purchase of antibiotics included female gender (odds ratio (OR) = 1.4; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2–1.7), lack of higher education (OR = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.3–1.9), medical education (OR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.2–2.5), lack of awareness of a ban on over-the-counter sale of antibiotics (OR = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.3–1.9), and relying on the knowledge (opinion) of family members or acquaintances as the main sources of information about the correct use of antibiotics (OR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.7–2.9).Conclusion. Antibiotic resistance can be reduced by propaganda and strict control over a ban on over-the-counter sale of antibiotics. It is also essential to update knowledge of medical professionals about antibacterial drugs and antibiotic resistance on a regular basis, also through raising their awareness of the development of antibiotic resistance in both patients and medical workers.

Acne is one of the most common dermatoses, with 117 million people diagnosed with the disease each year. Acne has a complex multifactorial genesis, including genetic predisposition and the influence of exposome factors. The direct mechanisms of the disease are associated with increased sensitivity of sebaceous glands to androgens, sebum hyperproduction, impaired keratinization at the mouth of hair follicles, and inflammation, in the induction of which Propionobacterium acnes is involved.
 The treatment of acne is complex, and one of its strategies is to regulate the number and activity of P. acnes through the use of antibacterial therapy. Antibacterial drugs have been used in the treatment of acne since the 1950s. They are included in a number of clinical guidelines and expert consensus documents for the treatment of the disease. However, the use of antibacterial drugs is limited by the formation of antibiotic resistance. Antibacterial drugs resistance in acne was first noted in the 1970s and was labeled as a global problem in the 2000s. The rapid increase in antibiotic resistance has prompted the development of strategies to prevent it and limit the use of antibacterial drugs in acne.
 This review presents information on the efficacy and place of antibacterial drugs in the treatment of acne, the epidemiology and mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, and strategies to overcome it. The authors consider and substantiate the effectiveness of a fixed combination of adapalene 0.1% and benzoyl peroxide 2.5%, based on the effect on the key links in the pathogenesis of acne, synergism of action and suppression of even antibiotic-resistant strains of P. acnes.

Analyze the use of antibacterial drugs and bacterial resistance in psychiatric hospital during the epidemic. Using the hospital information system and the National Antibacterial Drug Clinical Application Monitoring Network, we retrospectively collected data on the use of antibacterial drugs and bacterial resistance in psychiatric hospitals during the 2022 epidemic. During the 2022 epidemic, our hospital had an antibiotic use rate of 5.00%, a usage intensity of 3.07, a combined medication rate of 11.11%, a cumulative DDDs of 12,039.04, and antibiotic costs accounting for 3.95% of total drug costs. These are much lower than the levels in Jiangsu Province and nationwide. However, the rate of microbiological submission for antibacterial drug use was 77.78%, higher than that of Jiangsu Province and nationwide. The main antibiotics used in our hospital were third-generation cephalosporins, penicillins, and quinolone antibiotics, with the most commonly used being cefodizime, amoxicillin, and piperacillin–tazobactam. The results showed that Gram-negative bacteria mainly exhibited resistance to penicillins, cephalosporins, and quinolones, especially ampicillin, amoxicillin–clavulanic acid, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, amikacin, and ciprofloxacin. Gram-positive bacteria mainly resisted penicillins, macrolides, and quinolones, especially penicillin, benzylpenicillin, erythromycin, levofloxacin, and ciprofloxacin. This study reveals a complex relationship between the rational use of antibacterial drugs and bacterial resistance in the psychiatric hospital. Although antimicrobial usage during the pandemic was generally appropriate, increased use in psychiatric settings correlated with rising bacterial resistance, thereby impacting treatment outcomes and patient prognosis. Therefore, it is recommended to enhance monitoring of bacterial resistance and regularly analyze resistance data to optimize antimicrobial use in psychiatric hospitals. This approach aims to ensure effective treatment while minimizing the development of resistant strains, ultimately improving the overall value of healthcare services.

During the spread of bacterial infections with extensive drug resistance, the potential of existing antibacterial drugs is significantly reduced. The medical community is seeking opportunities for the rational use of antibacterial drugs, the development of new drugs, as well as the use of alternative treatments for these infections.
 Aim. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of a complex antibacterial and analgesic drug based on bacteriophages in gel form during various instrumental studies and diagnostic procedures in order to minimize the risk of the urinary system infections complications.
 Materials and methods. The study included 235 women aged 18 to 75 years who underwent treatment at the Moscow State Clinical Hospital named after Spasokukotsky and in the clinic of urology of Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry from September 2019 to January 2020. During the manipulation, all patients of the main group (n=120) used a developed preparation based on bacteriophages, and in the control group (n=115), a topical gel based on chlorhexidine dihydrochloride and lidocaine hydrochloride was used. All patients before the manipulation, as well as 10 days after the manipulation, underwent bacteriological analysis of urine. Efficiency assessment was carried out on the basis of laboratory data obtained, as well as according to the visual analogue scale of the pain syndrome severity.
 Results. None of the patients in the main group showed intolerance, side effects and allergic reactions of the developed drug based on bacteriophages. Bacteriological analysis of urine received before manipulation in both groups showed the absence of clinically significant titers of pathogenic bacteria, while 1 week after manipulation the number of titers of pathogenic bacteria (104) was significantly higher in the control group (p0.04). In patients of the main group, the incidence of dysuria was lower compared with the control group (p0.05).
 Conclusion. The study showed good tolerance of the developed drug and its clinical effectiveness in reducing the number of symptomatic bacteriuria; severity of pain after undergoing manipulation was relatively lower in the main group of patients. Conducting multicenter studies with the inclusion of a larger number of patients in the future will reduce the economic costs associated with treating patients by reducing the number of cases of nosocomial infections and reducing postoperative time spent by patients in the hospital.

1The Review on AMR was an expert panel commissioned by the UK Government in 2014 tasked with analysing the economic and social impacts of AMR and proposing solutions to these. 2NICE is a UK non-departmental public body that sponsored by but separate from the Department of Health that produces evidence-based guidance for health practitioners. 3NHS England is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department of Health that oversees planning and delivery of health services in England. 4Note that circulation of the News of the World ceased in July 2011; the Sun on Sunday was launched by the same newsgroup in 2012, but is unavailable on the Nexis database.

ObjectiveTo assess progress in meeting young people's sex education needs in Britain by examining the current situation and changes over the past 20 years in sources of information about sexual...

BackgroundChronic rheumatic patients have to face various needs of communication throughout their illness. Their doctors, nurses and fellows suffering from similar diseases are the main oral sources of information. Based...

Background: Multidrug resistant bacteria have become a major public health concern worldwide. Inappropriate and overuse of antibiotics are known promoters of antibiotic resistance. This study was therefore carried out to assess healthcare workers’ knowledge, attitude, and practice on antibiotic use and resistance. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among healthcare workers from University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Enugu, Nigeria. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of antibiotic use and resistance. Descriptive and inferential analyses were subjected on the data. Results: A total of 600 healthcare workers were surveyed with male: female ratio of 1:2.2. The mean age of the participants was 39.6±25.6 years. The level of knowledge was 58.8%, followed by attitude (49.1%) and practice (24.3%). The knowledge on super bugs (40.3%) and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (37.3%) was the least on resistant organisms surveyed. The main source of information was internet with the least being television/newspaper. Slightly less than half, (287/600, 47.8%) always do laboratory investigations before commencing antibiotics and (373/600, 62.2%) will stop taking antibiotics when their symptoms improve without completing the dosage. Majority of the participants (91.2%) indicated that healthcare workers are at risk of acquiring the antimicrobial-resistant organisms; however, only 67.7% believed that UNTH has the same problem. Conclusion: The knowledge, attitude, and practice of healthcare workers on antibiotic use and resistance were not encouraging. Greater educational interventions are, therefore, necessary to improve public awareness and develop behavioral measures to curb the spread of the resistant organisms.

Since 1997, Chubu Rosai Hospital has been establishing the proper use of various antibacterial drugs through the activities of an infection control team (ICT), introduction of a notification system for specific antibacterial drug use, and intervention of ward pharmacists for individual cases. There is no infectious disease department, and we have been working closely with each other on multiple occupations. As an initiative, we established the Nagoya Southern Infection Countermeasures Meeting in 2006 and conducted antimicrobial use and resistance (AUR) surveys to promote the proper use of antimicrobial agents within the area. In April 2018, we formed an antimicrobial stewardship team (AST) and initiated activities. In addition, an AST pharmacist can share the AST results with the ward pharmacist, for proper use of antibacterial drugs and for early monitoring of infectious disease treatment and appropriate intervention, thus improving the efficiency of the ward pharmacist's work. This program will also lead to the development of training programs for the younger generation of pharmacists.

BackgroundThe current organ shortage has necessitated expanding the criteria for potential donations to marginal donors (older or sick donors whose organs would have been considered unsuitable before). In France, physicians are not required to provide information to recipients about marginal donors except for hepatitis C or hepatitis B infection and non-heart-beating donations. We hypothesized that patients can be informed about these risks by other information sources than health care professionals, such as websites and patient associations.ObjectiveThe objectives of the study were to identify the main health information sources of transplant patients other than health professionals and to evaluate the information provided by websites and associations to patients about the risks of transplantation from marginal donors.MethodsIn this study, the information sources for kidney, liver, heart, and lung patients that had already received transplants or registered on waiting lists were identified by a survey in four transplant centers. Further, the information proposed by French and English language websites and patient associations were evaluated, respectively, by a systematic review of websites and a survey among the presidents of kidney, liver, heart, and lung patient associations.ResultsFor the first survey, (367/402) 91.3% responses were registered. Apart from health professionals identified as the principal information source (363/367) 98.9%, 19 liver and 28 heart patients searched for information on the websites, while 37 kidney and 42 lung patients were more informed by patients’ associations. Our two last surveys showed that information about marginal donors is accessible by websites and (10/34) 30% of associations. All of the 60 Internet documents evaluated on French language and English language websites proposed information about marginal donors. Otherwise, (52/65) 80% of these documents were dedicated to health professionals and contained specialized information, difficult to understand by patients. Certain associations, (20/34) 59%, provided information about the risks of transplantation. There were 45/115 patients considering associations as their main information source that were informed by an association’s website. However, only (5/22) 23% of associations communicated the risks of transplantation with patients through their websites.ConclusionsCurrently, patients want to be more informed by other information sources than health professionals, particularly by the websites. Nevertheless, they cannot always trust information proposed by these sources. They need to have their physicians inform them about specialized keywords and present them with reliable information sources. So reliable centers such as universities, transplant centers, and associations should develop the quality and quantity of information proposed to patients on their websites.

Purpose: The aim is to study the awareness of the population about the correct use of antibacterial drugs and identify the sources of this information.Methods. A questionnaire method was used in the study with developed questionnaire consisting of six blocks and 41 questions. Statistical data analysis was carried out using the programs Statistica for Windows version 10.0 and R-studio.Results. There were 2,725 participants in the survey. Only 23.6% of respondents (n = 642) said they had received information on the risks of using antimicrobial drugs properly in the previous 12 months, while a vast majority (75.2%, n = 1,566) indicated that they would have wanted to. Antibiotic resistance (20.4%, n = 555), rational drug use (30.9%, n = 840), and indications for using antibacterial drugs (35.9%, n = 980) were the most sought-after topics for further research. Doctors (59.4%, n = 1619), medicine instructions (45.5%, n = 1239), the Internet (22.7%, n = 619) and personal (previous) experience using antibiotics (21.0%, n = 572) were the main sources of knowledge about antibacterial drugs, which were most frequently used by residents. Using the results, portraits of the population were developed based on the main source of knowledge on antibiotics.Conclusion. It is necessary to regularly educate the population about correct antibiotic usage and antibiotic resistance, keeping in mind their primary interests and the information’s sources.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious healthcare problem that affects public health globally. Appropriate understanding and knowledge of prudent antimicrobial use and resistance, along with providing evidence-based information sources, are needed for informed antibiotic prescribing practices. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, opportunity, motivation, behavior of pharmacists and their information sources regarding antibiotic use and resistance in Jordan. An online cross-sectional questionnaire was developed and administered to pharmacists during the period of July–September 2021. The survey is an adapted version of the validated European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) survey for antibiotic use and resistance. Pharmacists from all sectors (n = 384), of whom 276 (71.9%) were community pharmacists, completed an online questionnaire. While respondents scored highly (>87%) on knowledge on effective use, unnecessary use, and associated side effects of antibiotics, lower scores were recorded for knowledge on the spread of antibiotic resistance (52.9%). Pharmacists support easy access to guidelines on managing infections in 56% of cases, and easy access to materials advising prudent antibiotic use and resistance in 39.8% of cases. One-third of respondents (37.0%) reported no knowledge of any initiatives on antibiotic awareness and resistance. Pharmacists were aware (13.3%), unaware (36.2%), or unsure (50.5%) of the existence of a national antibiotic resistance action plan. Pharmacists indicated an interest in receiving more information on resistance to antibiotics (55.2%), medical conditions for which antibiotics are used (53.1%), how to use antibiotics (45.1%), prescribing of antibiotics (34.4%), and links between the health of humans, animals, and the environment (28.6%). Findings can inform antimicrobial stewardship with required interventions to improve antibiotic use.