Consumption Of Penicillins Research Articles

Use of antimicrobials in pediatric wards of five Brazilian hospitals

The use of antimicrobials (AMs) in pediatric infections is common practice and use may be inappropriate leading to antimicrobial resistance. Off-label AM use is also common in this group and can result in drug-related problems. There is lack of DUR data in Brazil and in Latin America, specially for AM pediatric use. The aim of this study was to describe the utilization of AMs in hospitalized children in five hospitals in Brazil. We conducted an observational study of the utilization of AMs in pediatric wards in hospitals in the states of Ceará (CE), Sergipe (SE), Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Rio Grande do Sul (RS) and the Federal District (DF). Data derived from patient medical records and prescriptions were collected over a six-month period in each hospital. The number of AMs used by each patient was recorded, and AM use was assessed using Days of therapy (DOT) and Length of therapy (LOT) per 1000 patient days according to different patient characteristics. Off-label (OL) use was described according to age. The study analyzed data from 1020 patients. The sex and age distributions were similar across the five hospitals. However, differences were found for comorbidities, history of ICU admission and length of hospital stay. The most common diseases were respiratory tract infections. There were wide variations in DOT/1000PD (278–517) and LOT/1000PD (265–390). AM utilization was highest in the hospital in SE. The consumption of second-generation penicillins and cephalosporins was high. The prevalence of OL use of AMs was higher for patients in the RJ hospital, in infants, in patients who underwent prolonged hospital stays, and in patients who used multiple AMs. The AM that showed the highest prevalence of OL use was azithromycin, in both oral and parenteral formulations. Overall AM use was high and showed differences in each setting, possibly influenced by local characteristics and by prescribing standards adopted by pediatricians.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on community antibiotic consumption in the EU/European Economic Area: a changepoint analysis.

A decrease in community antibiotic consumption in Europe has been observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The magnitude of this decrease, how fast after the outbreak it occurred, whether it was sustained during the pandemic and whether the seasonal variation in antibiotic consumption was affected, have not yet been evaluated in detail. Data on community antibiotic consumption were available from the European Surveillance of Antimicrobial Consumption Network for 28 EU/European Economic Area (EEA) countries between 2010 and 2021. Antibiotic consumption was expressed as DDDs per 1000 inhabitants per day (DID). The impact of the pandemic on antibiotic consumption was investigated using descriptive statistics and non-linear mixed changepoint models for quarterly and yearly data. The decrease in overall antibiotic consumption between 2019 and 2020 (-3.4 DID; -18.6%) was mainly due to a decrease in the consumption of penicillins [Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) code J01C] (-1.9 DID; -23.0%), other β-lactam antibacterials (J01D) (-0.6 DID; -25.8%) and macrolides, lincosamides and streptogramins (J01F) (-0.5 DID; -17.4%) and was sustained during 2021. The changepoint analysis of yearly data (28 countries) estimated a decrease of 3.3 DID in overall antibiotic consumption (J01) between 2019 and 2020. The analysis of quarterly data (16 countries) estimated a decrease in overall antibiotic consumption (J01) of 4.0 DID and a decrease in seasonal variation of 1.2 DID between the first and second quarters of 2020. The changepoint analysis indicated a significant, sudden and steep decrease in community antibiotic consumption in the EU/EEA immediately after the start of the COVID-19 outbreak in Europe, as well as a decrease in its seasonal variation.

Antibiotic Prescription in the Community-Dwelling Elderly Population in Lombardy, Italy: A Sub-Analysis of the EDU.RE.DRUG Study.

Inappropriate consumption and over-prescription of antibiotics have been extensively reported. Our aim was to specifically evaluate the antibiotic prescribing patterns and appropriateness among the elderly (≥65 years) from the Lombardy region (Italy) in primary care. Antibiotic consumption (as DID: DDD/1000 inhabitants × day) and prevalence rates in 2018 were assessed, and the prescribing quality was evaluated using ESAC-based indicators and WHO-AWaRe criteria. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between the probability of receiving an antibiotic prescription and patients’ and physicians’ characteristics. A total of 237,004 antibiotic users were included (mean age ± SD 75.98 ± 7.63; males 42.7%). Antibacterial consumption was equal to 17.2 DID, with values increasing with age in both males and females. The study found that the proportion of patients with at least one antibiotic prescription in 2018 was around 39.1%, with different age-related trends between males and females. Consumption (as DID) of cephalosporines (65–74 years: 1.65; 75–84 years: 2.06; ≥85 years: 2.86) and quinolones (3.88, 4.61, 4.96, respectively) increased with growing age, while consumption of penicillins (6.21, 6.08, 6.04, respectively) and macrolides, lincosamides, and streptogramins (3.25, 2.91, 2.64, respectively) decreased. In 2018, antibiotics considered to have higher toxicity concerns or resistance potential, as reported by WHO-AWaRe tool, were consumed more intensively than those to be used as first choices, independent of age and sex. The probability of receiving an antibiotic prescription was greater in females, in subjects with polypharmacy, in treatment with respiratory drugs, anti-inflammatory agents or glucocorticoids, and with previous hospitalization; but increasing age was less associated with exposition to antibiotics.

Analysis of the antibiotic consumption on the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic: hospital level

Introduction. According to available data, the frequency of prescribing antibacterial drugs to patients hospitalized with COVID-19 is many times higher than the level of bacterial infection recorded in them. This trend may make an extremely negative contribution to the problem of antibiotic resistance in the future, which makes it important to monitor and study the consumption of antibiotics in this category of patients.Aim of the study. To estimate the change in the consumption of antibacterial drugs in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in a multidisciplinary hospital compared with the consumption in the pre-pandemic period, and to conduct a subsequent analysis of the detected changes.Materials and methods. This retrospective study, reviewed the medical records of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in the Moscow city hospital No. 4 in the period from April 27 to December 31, 2020, as well as medical records of patients hospitalized in the same medical institution for the same period of 2019. Results of the use of antibacterial drugs were obtained. They were evaluated using the ATC/DDD methodology and then subjected to further analysis.Results. Total consumption increased from 31,576 DDD/100 bed-days to 220,609 DDD/100 bed-days among the patients hospitalized with COVID-19. The level of consumption of macrolides increased most significantly – from 0.024 DDD/100 bed-days to 147.898 DDD/100 bed-days. The level of consumption of penicillins increased from 2,346 DDD/100 bed-days to 15,892 DDD/100 beddays, cephalosporins – from 11.78 DDD/100 bed-days to 19,107 DDD/100 bed-days, fluoroquinolones – from 10,276 DDD/100 beddays to 25,535 DDD/100 bed-days.Conclusion. The consumption of antibiotics has increased dramatically on the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the data of the frequency of bacterial complications in patients with COVID-19 (no more than 8%), a more rational approach to antibacterial therapy in this group of patients is needed to reduce the potential deterioration of the problem of antibiotic resistance.

Consumption of Antibacterials for Systemic Use in Slovakia: A National Study and the Quality Indicators for Outpatient Antibiotic Use.

This paper aims to analyse the consumption of antibiotics in the Slovak health care system from 2011 to 2020. The data source on the consumption of antibiotics is sales data from SUKL and NCZI. The study employed the ATC/DDD Index and focused on the consumption of antibiotics in the primary care sector. Total antibiotic consumption decreased from 19.21 DID in 2011 to 13.16 DID in 2020. Consumption of beta-lactamase-sensitive penicillins, expressed as a percentage of the total consumption of antibiotics, decreased from 8.4% in 2011 to 4.2% in 2020. Consumption of the combination of penicillins, including beta-lactamase inhibitor, expressed as a percentage of the total consumption of antibiotics, increased from 16.2% in 2011 to 17.9% in 2020. Consumption of third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins, expressed as the percentage of the total consumption of antibiotics, increased from 2.0% in 2011 to 4.6% in 2020. Consumption of fluoroquinolones, expressed as the percentage of the total consumption of antibiotics, decreased from 10.7% in 2011 to 8.6% in 2020. Overall, antibiotic consumption significantly changed in Slovakia from 2011 to 2020. The ratio of the consumption of broad-spectrum to the consumption of narrow-spectrum penicillins, cephalosporins and macrolides decreased from 14.98 in 2011 to 13.38 in 2020.

Consumption of penicillins in the community, European Union/European Economic Area, 1997-2017.

ObjectivesData on consumption of penicillins in the community were collected from 30 EU/European Economic Area (EEA) countries over two decades. This article reviews temporal trends, seasonal variation, presence of change-points and changes in the composition of the main subgroups of penicillins.MethodsFor the period 1997–2017, data on consumption of penicillins, i.e. β-lactam antibacterials, penicillins (ATC group J01C), in the community aggregated at the level of the active substance, were collected using the WHO ATC/DDD methodology (ATC/DDD index 2019). Consumption was expressed in DDD per 1000 inhabitants per day and in packages per 1000 inhabitants per day. Consumption of penicillins was analysed based on ATC-4 subgroups, and presented as trends, seasonal variation, presence of change-points and compositional changes.ResultsIn 2017, consumption of penicillins in the community expressed in DDD per 1000 inhabitants per day varied by a factor of 4.9 between countries with the highest (Spain) and the lowest (the Netherlands) consumption. An increase in consumption of penicillins, which was not statistically significant, was observed between 1997 and 2003 and up to 2010. A decrease, which was not statistically significant, was observed from 2010 onwards. Proportional consumption of combinations of penicillins, including β-lactamase inhibitors (J01CR) increased during 1997–2017, which coincided with a decrease in the proportional consumption of extended-spectrum penicillins (J01CA) and narrow-spectrum penicillins (J01CE).ConclusionsConsiderable variation in the patterns of consumption of penicillins was observed between EU/EEA countries. The consumption of penicillins in the EU/EEA community did not change significantly over time, while the proportional consumption of combinations of penicillins increased.

Impact of changes in the WHO's 2019 update of DDDs on the measurement of adult hospital antibacterial consumption in Catalonia (Spain), 2008-18.

ObjectivesIn 2019 the WHO fully adopted new DDD values. The objective of this study is to analyse their impact on the measurement of consumption of antibacterials in hospitals participating in the Catalan Infection Control and Antimicrobial Stewardship National Program (VINCat-PROA) in Catalonia (Spain) between 2008 and 2018.MethodsThe anatomical therapeutic chemical/DDD system was used to monitor adult hospital antibacterial consumption expressed in DDD/100 bed-days. Consumption from 2008 to 2018 was calculated using both pre- and post-update DDD values. Differences were calculated as the percentage variation in DDD/100 bed-days and analysed with Student’s t-test. Simple linear regressions were performed to evaluate the trends in adult antimicrobial consumption over the study period.ResultsThe overall consumption according to post-update DDD values decreased by 12.2% (P < 0.001) compared with the pre-update DDD values. Penicillins (−19.6.%; P < 0.001) and carbapenems (−19.0%; P = 0.023) showed the greatest reduction, followed by cephalosporins (−7.7%; P = 0.021) and quinolone antibacterials (−7.7%; P = 0.017). ICU services showed the greatest overall reduction (−13.1%; P < 0.001). From 2008 to 2018 there was a statistically significant decrease in consumption of penicillins and quinolone antibacterials and a statistically significant increase in cephalosporin and carbapenem consumption with both pre- and post-update DDD values. There were no variations in the ranking of consumption between the pre- and post-update DDD values.ConclusionsThe WHO’s updates of DDDs have had a significant impact on the measurement of antibacterial consumption. In our region, they have corrected an overestimation of penicillin and carbapenem consumption amounting to 19%. It is essential to bear these findings in mind for an accurate assessment of temporal trends and benchmarking.

Trends of Adult Antimicrobial Hospital Consumption in Catalonia (Spain) from 2008 to 2018

Background: Antimicrobial resistance is a disturbing problem in the health system. A relationship between the use of certain antimicrobials and a resistance increase has been proposed. Since this phenomenon is not usually attributed to specific uses of antimicrobials but preferably to its evolution over the years, the analysis of the antimicrobial consumption over time can justify the epidemiological situation of a given region in terms of resistance and possible increases and decreases for specific microorganisms. The objective of this study was to analyze the evolution of the use of antimicrobials in Catalonia during 2008–2018 through the VINCat program (Infection Control and Antimicrobial Stewardship Catalonian Program). Methods: The number of hospitals participating in the VINCat increased from 46 in 2008 to 63 in 2018 (ie, 68.8% and 85.7% of all adult acute-care hospital beds in Catalonia, respectively). Hospitalization days recorded at the participating hospitals increased from 2,991,053 in 2008 to 3,714,938 in 2018. The Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification (ATC) defined daily dose (DDD) index was used for monitoring antimicrobial consumption. Simple linear regressions were performed, the linear relationship was checked by ANOVA tests, and the Pearson correlation (Pc) coefficients were obtained. Values of P ≤ .05 were considered statistically significant. Results: From 2008 to 2018, there was a statistically significant increase of global antibacterial consumption (65.50 vs 71.73 DDD per 100 bed days; P = .001) and antimycotic consumption (3.09 vs 3.45 DDD per 100 bed days, P = .012) due to an increase of consumption in the surgical units. At the same time, there was a decrease in the consumption of antimycotics in the medical units (4.35 vs 3.90 DDD per 100 bed days; P =.029). Cephalosporins and carbapenem consumption increased both globally (10.88 vs 13.86 DDD per 100 bed days; P &lt; .001) and in medical and surgical units (3.26 vs 5.38 DDD per 100 bed days; P &lt; .001). This increase was mainly associated with ceftriaxone (3.45 vs 5.46 DDD per 100 bed days; P &lt; .001) and meropenem (1.12 vs 3.08 DDD per 100 bed days; P &lt; .001). There was a global decrease in the consumption of penicillins (26.10 vs 24.24 DDD per 100 bed days; P = .012) and quinolones (11.63 vs 9.61 DDD per 100 bed days; P = .004). This trend was observed also in ICUs and medical units but not in surgical units, for which only quinolones showed a significant decrease. Decreases in the use of amoxicillin/clavulanate acid (17.80 vs 14.24 DDD per 100 bed days; P &lt; .001) and ciprofloxacin (5.68 vs 4.01 DDD per 100 bed days; P &lt; .001) were observed. Conclusions: The increase in the use of antimicrobials in Catalonia is concerning. This increase is attributable to the use of these drugs in surgical units. Antibiotic stewardship measures should be aimed primarily at these units. The increasing use of carbapenems should be analyzed.Funding: NoneDisclosures: Juan Pablo Horcajada reports consulting fees from MSD, Pfizer, and Menarini as well as speaker honoraria from MSD, Pfizer, and Zambon.

Clinical and economic effects of an antimicrobial stewardship intervention in a surgical intensive care unit.

To study the effects of an Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) programme designed as a once-weekly "Prospective Audit with Feedback and Intervention" in a surgical intensive care unit. Retrospective, pre-/post-observational comparison of antimicrobial drug use, patient safety, and cost of care. During the 12-month AMS period the consumption of antimicrobials dropped by 18.3%. While the consumption of broad-spectrum antibiotics decreased by 17.4% the consumption of narrow spectrum penicillins increased by 89.9%, reaching 26.3% of the total antibiotic consumption. Treatment outcomes and rates of Clostridioides difficile infections before and during the programme were not significantly different. The reduction in antimicrobial costs of 46,393€ was offset by an expenditure of 8,047€, for both human resources and additional radiological procedures, resulting in a net saving of 38,346€. 92% of the antibiotic related savings were due to the reduced use of tigecycline and linezolid, and decreases in drug retail prices. AMS programmes can both reduce the consumption of antimicrobials and modify their spectrum in intensive care without negatively affecting treatment outcomes. The resulting cost savings are negligible. The incentive to implement such programmes cannot, therefore, be immediate institutional cost savings, but should be rather the long-term goal of reducing antibiotic resistance, and its consequences, in terms of long-term health care costs.

Antibacterial Medicine Consumption in Private and State Sector Outpatient Settings in Colombo District, Sri Lanka

Introduction: Objective of this study was to determine the quantities and patterns of antibacterial medicine (ABM) consumption in the public and private hospital outpatient settings in Colombo District. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in outpatient settings of selected State and private hospital settings between 2012 and 2013. 2009-WHO methodology was adapted to suit the Sri Lankan healthcare system. Oral systemic aggregated ABM (J01) consumption data was collected and categorized using Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification system. It was quantified using Defined Daily Doses (DDDs), and DDDs per 1000 outpatients per day (DID). Results were interpreted using descriptive statistics. Results: ABM consumption was 4.21DID and 3.46DID from private and State hospitals respectively. Most common ABM subgroup was penicillin in both private (1.34 DIDs) and State hospitals (2.67 DIDs) followed by macrolides (private hospital = 0.79 DIDs, State hospital = 0.36 DIDs). Five ABMs contributed to 90% drug utilization in State hospitals compared to 12 in private hospitals. Ratio of the consumption of broad spectrum penicillins: narrow spectrum penicillins, cephalosporins and macrolides were 30:1 and 04:1 in private and State hospitals respectively. Amoxicillin (60.3 %) was the predominantly consumed ABM in State hospitals compared to co-amoxiclav (22.9%) in private hospitals. Conclusion: Consumption of conventional ABM predominates in State outpatient settings whereas newer broader spectrum ABM in private hospital outpatient settings. The findings highlight the need for antimicrobial stewardship, especially in private hospital outpatient settings. Furthermore, the Ministry of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine of Sri Lanka should intervene to maintain complete ABM dispensed data of institutionalized ABM consumption surveillance in Sri Lanka.

Cross-national comparison of paediatric antibiotic use in Norway, Portugal and Hungary.

A cross-national comparison was performed on paediatric (0-19years) antibiotic use in Hungary, Norway and Portugal to explore and compare the scale and pattern of paediatric antibiotic use in these three European countries. Ambulatory care systemic antibiotic use (ATC: J01) was retrieved from national databases for year 2014. The main outcome measure was number of antibacterial packages per child inhabitant per year (packages/child/year) and was further stratified by age groups. Paediatric antibiotic use peaked in Hungary with 1.3 packages/child/year, followed by Portugal (0.8) and Norway (0.3). This ranking was retained and was most prominent in the 5- to 9-year and 10- to 14-year age groups. The pattern of antibiotic use in different paediatric age groups varied also substantially between countries. Narrow-spectrum penicillins were much commonly used in Norway in all paediatric age subgroups in comparison with Hungary and Portugal. Newer, broad-spectrum cephalosporins and macrolides were widely prescribed for Hungarian and Portuguese children in all paediatric subgroups in contrast to Norway, while tetracyclines were commonly prescribed for Norwegian adolescents. The scale and pattern of paediatric antibiotic use in Hungary and Portugal were very different compared with Norway. The high antibiotic exposure and the high consumption of broad-spectrum penicillins begin in childhood in Hungary and Portugal which underpins the responsibility of paediatric GPs.

Impact of a multimodal strategy combining a new standard of care and restriction of carbapenems, fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins on antibiotic consumption and resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a French intensive care unit

This study aimed to assess whether post-prescription review and feedback (PPRF) of all antibiotics, with restriction of carbapenems, fluoroquinolones and third-generation cephalosporins (3GCs), along with a change in medical standard of care impacted antibiotic consumption and bacterial antimicrobial resistance in a French medical/surgical intensive care unit (ICU). A 4-year before (2007-2010) and after (2011-2014) retrospective comparative study was performed. Antibiotic consumption was evaluated in defined daily doses per 1000 patient-days. The rates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa resistance to piperacillin, ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, imipenem and amikacin and of AmpC-hyperproducing group 3 Enterobacteriaceae were assessed. Consumption of fluoroquinolones decreased by -85%, carbapenems by -58%, 3GCs by -50% and glycopeptides by -66% (P ≤ 0.0001). Consumption of penicillins with and without β-lactamase inhibitors increased by +72% and +78%, sulfonamides by +172% and macrolides by +267% (P < 0.0001). Pseudomonas aeruginosa resistance rates for all antibiotics tested and the proportion of AmpC-hyperproducing group 3 Enterobacteriaceae decreased (P ≤ 0.01). The median length of stay, use of vasopressors and invasive mechanical ventilation decreased, and the use of renal replacement therapy increased (P < 0.05). The initial severity score (SAPS II) increased (P < 0.01) due to changes in practice, with no impact on in-hospital mortality (P = 0.07). In conclusion, changes in medical care along with PPRF and a restriction of high ecological impact antibiotics were associated with a shift towards the consumption of low ecological impact antibiotics in an ICU. Rates of resistant P. aeruginosa and of AmpC-hyperproducing group 3 Enterobacteriaceae decreased simultaneously.

Antibiotic consumption and antimicrobial resistance in Poland; findings and implications

BackgroundThe problem of inappropriate use of antibiotics and the resulting growth in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has implications for Poland and the world. The objective of this paper was to compare and contrast antibiotic resistance and antibiotic utilisation in Poland in recent years versus other European countries, including agreed quality indicators, alongside current AMR patterns and ongoing policies and initiatives in Poland to influence and improve antibiotic prescribing.MethodsA quantitative ten-year analysis (2007–2016) of the use of antibiotics based on European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) data combined with a literature review on AMR rates and antimicrobial stewardship initiatives.ResultsThe system of monitoring AMR and appropriate strategies to address AMR rates remain underdeveloped in Poland. The role of microbiological diagnostics and efforts to prevent infections is currently underestimated by physicians. Overall, Poland had one of the highest rates of total consumption of antibiotics in the analysed European countries. Total consumption of antibacterials for systemic use and relative consumption of beta-lactamase sensitive penicillins were characterized by small but statistically significant average annual increases between 2007 and 2016 (from 22.2 DIDs to 23.9 DIDs and from 0.8 to 1.3%, respectively).ConclusionsThe integrated activities around appropriate antibiotic prescribing in the pre- and post-graduate training of physicians and dentists seem to be particularly important, as well as changes in policies on prescribing antibiotics within ambulatory care. AMR and appropriate prescribing of antibiotics should be the focus of health policy actions in Poland.

Changing Pattern of Antibiotics Usage Among Hospitalized Patients of a Tertiary Hospital in South Korea: 2004–2013

BackgroundThis study was performed to evaluate the changing pattern of antibiotics usage among hospitalized patients of tertiary hospital in South Korea.MethodsTotal antibiotics prescription record of hospitalized patients from 2004 to 2013 were collected at a tertiary university hospitals. The antibiotics is defined as class J01 from anatomical therapeutic chemical classification system (ATC). The consumption of each class of antibiotic was converted to defined daily dose (DDD)/1,000 patient-days by using ATC of World Health Organization.ResultsOver the 10-year study period, the annual consumption of systemic antibiotics ranged from 815.10 to 1047.96. The proportion of broad-spectrum antibiotics and non-broad-spectrum antibiotics use are as follows: 45.4% (417.55/920.69) vs.. 54.6% (503.15/920.69), respectively. A 16.9% of decrease in total antibiotics consumption was observed in 2013 compared with 2004 (1000.69 in 2004 vs.. 831.46 in 2013). The decrease rate of non-broad spectrum antibiotics usage was 39.3% during the study period (607.21 in 2004 vs. 368.88 in 2013). In contrast, a stepwise increase in consumption of broad-spectrum antibiotics was observed (14.9% of increase; 393.48 in 2004 vs. 462.58 in 2013). Among broad-spectrum antibiotics, a significant decrease trend was observed for third-generation cephaloporins (P < 0.001). In contrast, a significant increase trend was observed for β-lactam/lactamase (P < 0.001). The monthly overall consumption trend of fluoroquinolones and glycopeptides remained stable (P = 0.061; P = 0.107, respectively). In addition, there were significant decrease trends for consumption of non-broad-spectrum antibiotics, including first generation cephalosporins (P = 0.019) and aminoglycosides (P = 0.004). However, the consumption of second generation cephalosporins, imidazole and penicillins showed a stable trend (P = 0.175; P = 320; P = 0.234, respectively).ConclusionA total antibiotics consumption showed significantly decrease trend from 2004 to 2013. In contrast, a stepwise increase in consumption of broad-spectrum antibiotics was observed in the tertiary hospital in South Korea.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Comparison of Antimicrobial Consumption Patterns in the Swiss and Danish Cattle and Swine Production (2007-2013).

Veterinary antimicrobial consumption patterns vary considerably across Europe. These differences are not only limited to the total amount consumed but are also observed with regards to the relative proportion of the various antimicrobial classes used. Currently, most of the data on veterinary antimicrobials are reported at sales level without any information on the consumption by different animal species. This hinders a proper comparison of antimicrobial consumption at the species level between countries. However, it is imperative to improve our understanding on antimicrobial usage patterns at the species level, as well as on the drivers contributing to those differences. This will allow for development of tailored interventions with the lowest possible risk for human health, while ensuring effective treatment of diseased livestock. An important step to attain such an objective is to perform detailed comparisons of the antimicrobial consumption in each species between countries. We compared antimicrobial consumption estimates for cattle and pigs in Switzerland and Denmark, in order to distinguish species-specific patterns and trends in consumption from 2007 to 2013. Swiss data were obtained from a previous study that assessed methodologies to stratify antimicrobial sales per species; Danish antimicrobial consumption estimates were assembled from Danish Integrated Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring and Research Programme reports. A decrease in antimicrobial consumption in milligrams per kilogram of biomass was observed for both countries (4.5% in Denmark and 34.7% in Switzerland) when comparing 2013 to 2007. For pigs and cattle, the overall consumption per kilogram of biomass of most antimicrobial classes was higher in Switzerland than in Denmark. Large variations in the relative consumption of different antimicrobial classes were also evident. Sulfonamides/trimethoprim and tetracyclines were consumed in a higher proportion in Switzerland than in Denmark, whereas the relative consumption of penicillins was higher in Denmark. The differences observed in veterinary antimicrobial consumption are not solely related to animal demographic characteristics in these two countries. Other factors, such as the level of biosecurity and farming practices, veterinarians and farmers’ education, or governmental/industry programs put in place might also partly explain these variations. These differences should be taken into account when aiming to implement targeted interventions to reduce antimicrobial consumption.

Antibiotics consumption in the Eastern Region Of Libya 2012-2013

Abstract Background: Drug utilization studies conducted in Libya during the period 1991-2013, have pointed out the irrational use of antibiotics as a common practice that costs the health system more than 7.7 million Libyan Dinars / year. The aim of this study is to assess the trend of antimicrobial consumption in the Eastern region of Libya during 2012 – 2013. Methods: Antimicrobial consumption data from the years 2012 and 2013 were obtained mainly from Benghazi office, Medical Supply Organization (MSO; the only official drug-importing body in Libya). This study is concerned with antibiotics imported only to the Eastern region of Libya, population of which represents approximately 35% of total Libyan population. The WHO, Anatomical-Therapeutic-Chemical (ATC) classification and the Defined Daily Dose (DDD) methodology were used to calculate antibiotic consumption. The total antimicrobial consumption data were calculated as DDD/1000 inhabitants/day. Results: Total utilization of antibiotics decreased dramatically from 15.47 DDD/1000 inhabitants/day in 2012 to 4.30 DDD/1000 inhabitants/day in 2013 which in turn shows a significant decline compared to 41.72 DDD/1000 inhabitants/day during the period 1991-1993. Consumption of penicillins decreased from 19.902 DDD/1000 inhabitants/day during 1991-1993 to 1.896 DDD/1000 inhabitants/day during 2012-2013 with pattern of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid consumption equals to 3 times ampicillin consumption and is the highest compared to all penicillins. This was accompanied by a prominent increase in consumption of amphenicols and fusidic acid during 2012-2013 noting that fusidic acid consumption was the highest among all antibiotics. Conclusion: MSO since 2011 (post 17th February 2011 revolution) lost its control on importing medicines due to receiving many drugs as donations from different international sources without acceptable level of coordination. This has been reflected on drug purchasing policy of MSO during 2013, which failed to regain the previously accepted level of DDD/1000 inhabitants/day antibiotics consumption. The decreased consumption of penicillins together with increased consumption of amphenicols and fusidic acid complies with the pattern of antibiotic resistance reported previously in Libya. Similar studies should be conducted to evaluate national drug consumption under normal conditions to be compared with regional and international data.

Antibiotic Consumption During a 4-year Period in a Community Hospital with an Antimicrobial Stewardship Program.

We sought to evaluate the trend of antibiotic consumption in patients admitted to a community hospital in Qatar with an antimicrobial stewardship program. This observational study was carried out in a 75-bed facility in Western Qatar over a 4-year period (2012-2015). The monitoring of antimicrobial consumption from inpatient wards was performed from the pharmacy records and presented as defined daily dose (DDD) divided by the patient days and expressed as 100 bed-days (DBD). The consumption of antimicrobials in 2012 was 171.3 DBD, and increased to 252.7 DBD in 2013, 229.1 DBD in 2014, and 184.7 DBD in 2015. Cephalosporins use reduced from 98.2 DBD in 2013 to 51.5 DBD in 2015 while the consumption of penicillins increased during the beginning of 2014 with a slight decrease in 2015. Carbapenems consumption during 2014-2015 was lower than previous years, and vice-versa for aminoglycosides. Fluoroquinolones had a sustained increase with 37.1% increased consumption in 2015 compared to the two previous years. There was an increase in the use of intravenous (IV) (108.5%) and oral azithromycin (55.1%) and the use of oral (152.8%) and IV moxifloxacin (22.9%). We observed a decrease in antibiotic use in patients admitted to a community hospital with an antimicrobial stewardship program, but the increase in fluoroquinolones consumption is a concern that requires focused strategies.

Register of Microorganisms as a Tool for Automated Antibiotics Consumption Planning and Monitoring of Antibiotic Resistance in Intensive Care Units and Specilized Hospital Departments

The purpose of the study is to assess the possibility of managing the antibiotic resistance level and consumption of antimicrobial agents in a hospital based on the analysis of the drug resistance index. Material and methods. The antibiotic consumption planning system was employed at the multidisciplinary surgical hospital based on the unified Registry of microorganisms (ROM). ROM included data on 25.581 strains obtained from patients with infections admitted to the intensive care units (ICU) and specialized departments. Protocols of empiric antimicrobial therapy and perioperative antibiotic prevention were developed. The ROMbased system allowed automated calculation of drug resistance indices for nosocomial microor ganisms. Data obtained during the preintervention period (2012) and intervention period, (2014—2015) were compared. Results. Decreases in the drug resistance indices for Pseudomonas aeruginosa from 0.721 in 2012 to 0.596 in 2015, Acinetobacter baumannii from 0.96 in 2012 to 0.889 in 2015, Klebsiella pneumoniae from 0.728 in 2012 to 0.595 in 2015 were achieved due to reduction of antimicrobial resistance, reduced consumption of III—IV generation cephalosporins and antipseudomonal carbapenems, and more frequent use of ertapenem for treatment of infections caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae. There was an increase in the drug resistance index of Escherichia coli from 0.325 in 2012 to 0.382 in 2015 due to increased consumption of protected penicillins and first generation cephalosporins for prevention in abdominal surgery and urology and increased pathogen resistance to these antibiotics. Conclusion. A development of a unified hospital ROM and application of the drug resistance index for math ematical modeling of the pathogens resistance level allows to perform timely monitoring of changes in antibiotic resistance of nosocomial microorganisms in ICU setting and other hospital departments and proper managinge the antibiotics prescription.

Antifungal use in intensive care units

To provide benchmarking data on antifungal use in intensive care units (ICUs), to analyse risk factors and to look for correlations with antibiotic use data and structure parameters. Antimicrobial use data for 13 ICUs were obtained from computerized databases from January 2004 through June 2005. Antimicrobial usage density (AD) is expressed as daily defined doses/1000 patient-days. Correlations were calculated by the Spearman correlation or for binomic variables by the two-sided Wilcoxon test. A multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors for the outcome 'antifungal use'. Mean systemic antifungal drug use was 93.0, the range being between ADs of 18.9 and 232.2. ICUs treating transplant patients had a significantly higher mean antifungal usage at 152.9 compared with ICUs not treating transplant patients where the AD was 46.0. Fluconazole was the most frequently prescribed antifungal (mean AD 69.6) followed by amphotericin B (11.4) and voriconazole (6.2). Antifungal use correlated significantly with the consumption of quinolones, carbapenems and extended-spectrum penicillins, but not with total antibiotic use and not with the type of ICU or university status. In the multivariate linear regression analysis, two parameters, i.e. high quinolone use (P = 0.002) and ICUs which treat transplant patients (P = 0.027), were independent risk factors for a high level of antifungal use. Antifungal use was heterogeneous in German ICUs with the mean AD lying at 93. Benchmarking data might provide a useful method for assessing strategies that aim to reduce antifungal use in ICUs. However, data should be stratified for ICUs with and without transplant patients.

Trends in Antimicrobial Resistance in 1,968 Invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae Strains Isolated in Spanish Hospitals (2001 to 2003): Decreasing Penicillin Resistance in Children's Isolates

To address the public health problem of antibiotic resistance, the European Union (EU) founded the European Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System. A network of 40 hospitals that serve approximately 30% of the Spanish population (about 12 million) participated. Each laboratory reported data on antimicrobial susceptibility testing using standard laboratory procedures that were evaluated by an external quality control program. The antibiotic consumption data were obtained from the National Health System. We compared the antibiotic susceptibility of Spanish isolates of invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae (2001 to 2003) with antibiotic consumption. Invasive S. pneumoniae was isolated from 1,968 patients, 20% of whom were children at or below the age of 14 years. Of non-penicillin-susceptible strains (35.6%; 95% confidence interval, 34 to 37.2), 26.4% were considered intermediate and 9.2% were considered resistant. Between 2001 and 2003, penicillin resistance decreased from 39.5 to 33% overall and from 60.4 to 41.2% in children at or below the age of 14 years (P = 0.002). Resistance to erythromycin was at 26.6%, and coresistance with penicillin was at 19.1%. Of total isolates, the ciprofloxacin MIC was >2 mug/ml for 2.1%, with numbers increasing from 0.4% (2001) to 3.9% (2003). Total antibiotic use decreased from 21.66 to 19.71 defined daily doses/1,000 inhabitants/day between 1998 and 2002. While consumption of broad-spectrum penicillins, cephalosporins, and erythromycin declined, use of amoxicillin-clavulanate and quinolones increased by 17.5 and 27%, respectively. The frequency of antibiotic resistance in invasive S. pneumoniae in Spain was among the highest in the EU. However, a significant decrease in penicillin resistance was observed in children. This decrease coincided with the introduction of a heptavalent conjugate pneumoccocal vaccine (June 2001) and with a global reduction in antibiotic consumption levels.