World Antibiotic Awareness Research Articles

Antimicrobial resistance and stewardship: What do pharmacists know and practice in a major Nigerian tertiary health facility: A cross-sectional study

Background: Multidrug-resistant bacterial infections are still a global challenge and successful antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) requires multidisciplinary collaborative partnership. Studies have highlighted the knowledge and perceptions of pharmacists, but there is a paucity of data about practices of pharmacists in teaching hospitals in Nigeria. We set out to determine the knowledge and practices of pharmacists in a major tertiary health facility (THF) in Lagos, Nigeria, before starting an AMS intervention program. Methods: This cross-sectional survey used electronic forms to find out the knowledge and practices of pharmacists employed in a large tertiary health facility. Data were collected during a Commonwealth Partnerships for AMS program to support low- and middle-income countries to produce antimicrobial consumption surveillance data, quality improvement initiatives, and infection prevention and control (IPC) processes. Results: Two-thirds of respondents knew that antibiotics were effective against bacteria, and 48.6% knew the causes of antimicrobial resistance. Almost all (97.1%) agreed that AMS must be done, IPC is important, and they were confident to point out inappropriate prescribing. Three-quarters had advised colleagues or been involved in AMS activities; however, 62.9% had fully or mostly changed their practices based on information received, and 26.5% had participated in World Antibiotic Awareness Week. Conclusion: There are still gaps in knowledge and practices, which underscore the need to entrench regular training on the job. However, there is overall awareness of AMS and a desire for it to be carried out at all levels. Pharmacists are useful for choosing appropriate antibiotics and can play a vital role in AMS.

Impact of a community pharmacy led antibiotic amnesty in the Midlands region of England.

Antimicrobial resistance is a recognised threat to human health and may be driven by the unsafe disposal of antibiotics via domestic waste streams, contaminating the environment. A community pharmacy based antibiotic amnesty could address this. We evaluated the impact of an antibiotic amnesty promoting the return of unused antibiotics to community pharmacies in the Midlands region of England during World Antibiotic Awareness Week in November 2021. Two hundred and thirty nine pharmacies participated voluntarily and held amnesty conversations with 7399 people, 369 part used and 126 full packs of antibiotics were returned. This is an important public health initiative that could be replicated more widely.

World Antibiotic Awareness Week

World Antibiotic Awareness Week

HSD37 Information Seeking Behaviour of the Hungarian Population Regarding Antibiotics and Common Infectious Ailments: An Infodemiological and Thematic Analysis Using Google TRENDSTM

The emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious threat to healthcare institutions worldwide, which is facilitated by the inappropriate use of antibiotics, including their misuse and non-prescription procurement. To educate the general public regarding the dangers of AMR, many international campaigns – including the European Antibiotic Awareness Day and World Antibiotic Awareness Week– were initiated. The aim of this infodemiological study was to assess antibiotic-related Internet queries from Hungary, and to identify possible associations between information seeking behaviour and various epidemiological indicators.

Antimicrobial resistance in cities: an overlooked challenge that requires a multidisciplinary approach

The theme of World Antibiotic Awareness Week on Nov 18–24, 2022 is “preventing antimicrobial resistance together”. This is an important message when global estimates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) revealed a larger burden of disease in 2019 than expected, with deaths directly attributable to bacterial AMR estimated at 1·27 million globally, greater than for HIV/AIDS or malaria.1 Many of these deaths will have been preventable through reduced infection exposure and improved access to effective antibiotics.

190. Which antibiotic are you? Evaluation of a global antibiotic awareness personality quiz

BackgroundImproving understanding of the impact of antibiotic overuse is a key component of the global action plan to address antibiotic resistance. Play is an underutilized opportunity to engage adults in learning about antibiotic resistance and the importance of appropriate antibiotic use in mitigating this public health threat. Our objective was to evaluate the reach of a web-based antibiotic awareness personality quiz.Figure 1. Antibiotic Personality Quiz Participants MethodsA personality quiz (http://www.tiny.cc/antibioticquiz) was developed using an online platform (Tryinteract.com). The quiz included a series of short personality-based questions. Once complete, based on the responses provided, the respondent was automatically assigned an antibiotic that best matched their personality. This result was accompanied by key teaching points about the assigned antibiotic, a statement about the importance of appropriate antibiotic use and links to find more information. The quiz was launched in November 2017 to coincide with World Antibiotic Awareness Week and disseminated via social media. It was updated iteratively each year. We evaluated usage statistics from November 7 2017 to June 7 2020.ResultsDuring the 31-month evaluation period, there were 287,868 views of the quiz, and it was completed 207,148 times. The quiz was shared extensively on social media (Facebook 1667 shares, Twitter 1390 clicks). From a subset of 37,825 recent participants who were asked about their profession, most identified as non-infectious diseases healthcare professionals (n= 18,235, 48.2%), followed by infectious disease healthcare professionals (n=8,119, 21.8%), and healthcare students (n=6,986, 18.5%) (Figure 1). Respondents were well-represented globally, including US, Canada, Spain, France, India, United Kingdom, and Indonesia.ConclusionThis exploratory analysis suggests incorporation of play into social media campaigns may augment the size of the receiving audience. An antibiotic awareness personality quiz engaged a high volume and broad range of non-infectious disease experts in learning more about antibiotic resistance. Antimicrobial stewards and public health campaign leaders should incorporate play into awareness opportunities and evaluate their impact.Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

World Antibiotic Awareness Week and European Antibiotic Awareness Day, November 2018: An analysis of the impact of Twitter activity

IntroductionInternational antibiotic awareness and stewardship campaigns use social media to disseminate campaign materials. Analysis of campaigns during 2016 and 2017 identified a wide range of hashtags in use, potentially leading to confusion and dilution of the campaign message. This study aimed to examine the impact of different hashtags on the dissemination of information during European Antibiotic Awareness Day and World Antibiotic Awareness Week, November 2018. MethodsTweets were prospectively extracted using Followthehashtag and analysed in Excel and R (14 400 tweets by 5 899 tweeters, with 60 222 retweets). Descriptive analysis and multivariable logistic regression analyses were adjusted for potential confounders. ResultsThere was a positive association between retweets received and inclusion of media, hashtag(s), mention of other tweeter(s), and number of followers. There was hashtag drift (e.g. the unofficial #WAAW2018 hashtag was used more frequently than the official campaign #WAAW18 hashtag). Analysis of five popular hashtags from the European and worldwide campaigns found a positive association between retweets and the unofficial hashtag #WAAW2018 and the long-established #AntibioticGuardian hashtag. #AntibioticResistance (another official hashtag) was the most frequently used hashtag but did not have a consistent positive association with retweets. Analysis of the contribution of tweeters – tweeters, retweeters, and mentions of tweeters – demonstrated 32 534 accounts in total, 95% of which tweeted and/or retweeted, the great majority being retweeters. ConclusionThis study demonstrates the breadth of participation in international antibiotic awareness campaigns, but also the need for clarity about campaign hashtags, and the need to search beyond official hashtags when evaluating the impact of a campaign.

One Health: antimicrobial resistance

For World Antibiotic Awareness Week this month (18–24 November) Fergus Allerton a European and RCVS Veterinary Specialist in Small Animal Internal Medicine provides an update of antibiotic stewardship guidelines.

ASPChat: Participation and Reach of a Real-Time Twitter Chat on Antimicrobial Stewardship

Background: Healthcare professionals with roles in infectious disease and antimicrobial stewardship have a growing presence on social media. Twitter has evolved to become a popular venue for healthcare professional communication, with the potential to support improved quality of patient care. To harness this growth and provide an opportunity for learning and networking, we developed a monthly Twitter chat on a variety of antimicrobial stewardship topics. Our objective was to evaluate the reach of this online initiative. Methods: In November 2016, to coincide with World Antibiotic Awareness Week, we held the first ASP chat (#ASPChat). Twitter chats continue monthly for 1 hour each month. Topics range from rapid diagnostic testing to duration of antibiotic therapy, and 6 questions are posed for each event. Questions about common strategies, clinical pearls, helpful resources, and literature are commonly integrated into the discussion. The event is open to all Twitter users regardless of discipline or location of practice. Participants use the ASPChat hash tag to follow along with the conversation. To evaluate the monthly Twitter chats, analytics were obtained from Symplur Healthcare Hashtags including impressions, the number of potential views for each Tweet, number of Tweets, and number of participants. Results: To date, 33 ASPChat events have been held, with a total of 20,478,000 impressions. The average number of Tweets per month was 346 and the average number of participants was 86 (Fig. 1). Participants have included pharmacists, physicians, infection control practitioners, and nonclinicians. Countries represented have included the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. The average monthly impressions stands at 620,559 and has increased each year from between 23% and 86%. Conclusions: A monthly Twitter Chat is a feasible and sustainable approach to connecting antimicrobial stewards across a wide geographical range. The broad reach of the ASPChat events presents an opportunity to influence and unite a diverse group of professionals aiming to improve antibiotic use. Further evaluation is recommended to understand the professional and clinical impact of this important communication tool.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

Strategic approach for combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

During the past 70 years, there has been a continued incremental worsening of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by a combination of abusing antimicrobials in humans and animals as well as insufficient research and investment for new antimicrobial agents. The current trend of worsening AMR is likely to result in increased mortality and morbidity, longer stays in hospitals and accelerated health care costs. It is estimated that the global mortality attributed by AMR could reach 10 million per year by 2050, which is a massive increase from the current estimated mortality of 700, 000 per year. The year 2014 was the turning point of more than a half century of AMR history, transforming it from technical issue to a political agenda. Major progress includes adoption of the Global Action Plan on AMR at the WHO World Health Assembly in May 2015, followed by completion of a National Action Plan in most parts of the world, enactment of the Global Antimicrobial Surveillance System (GLASS) in October 2015, launch of the World Antibiotic Awareness Week in November 2015, and G20 Leaderscommitment to create the AMR Global Collaboration Hub in July 2017. Moreover, a comprehensive program against AMR has been implemented in some countries, such as UK, USA, and Germany. The strategic approach through coordination led by WHO with relevant international agencies and other entities was one of the key enabling factors for sustained political commitment on AMR.

Tackling antibiotic resistance.

British Journal of Community NursingVol. 24, No. 12 TreatmentsTackling antibiotic resistanceAysha MendesAysha MendesE-mail Address: [email protected]Freelance journalist specialising in health, psychology and nursingSearch for more papers by this authorAysha MendesPublished Online:4 Dec 2019https://doi.org/10.12968/bjcn.2019.24.12.612AboutSectionsView articleView Full TextPDF/EPUB ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail View article References Ashiru-Oredope D. Providing self-care advice for cold and flu keeps antibiotics working. 2019. https://tinyurl.com/ropzn8p (accessed 20 November 2019) Google ScholarCenters for Disease Control and Prevention. Antibiotic prescribing and use in doctor's offices. 2017a. https://tinyurl.com/wmzt9bt (accessed 25 November 2019) Google ScholarCenters for Disease Control and Prevention. Antibiotic resistance questions and answers. 2017b. https://tinyurl.com/y8zvd638 (accessed 25 November 2019) Google ScholarNHS England. World Antibiotic Awareness Week, 18-22 November. 2019. https://tinyurl.com/rylgv2k (accessed 25 November 2019) Google ScholarPharmaceutical Journal. Little progress made to develop incentives for new antibiotics, vaccines and diagnostics, AMR review concludes. 2019. https://tinyurl.com/wlurfpw (accessed 20 November 2019) Google ScholarReview on Antimicrobial Resistance. Tackling drug-resistant infections globally. 2016. https://amr-review.org/ (accessed 20 November 2019) Google ScholarSprenger M. How to stop antibiotic resistance? Here's a WHO prescription. 2015. https://www.who.int/mediacentre/commentaries/stop-antibiotic-resistance/en/ (accessed 20 November 2019) Google Scholar FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails 2 December 2019Volume 24Issue 12ISSN (print): 1462-4753ISSN (online): 2052-2215 Metrics History Published online 4 December 2019 Published in print 2 December 2019 Information© MA Healthcare LimitedPDF download

Antibiotic awareness and preventing further antimicrobial resistance

Journal of Prescribing PracticeVol. 1, No. 12 NewsAntibiotic awareness and preventing further antimicrobial resistanceAysha MendesAysha MendesE-mail Address: [email protected]Freelance journalist, specialising in healthcare and psychologySearch for more papers by this authorAysha MendesPublished Online:13 Dec 2019https://doi.org/10.12968/jprp.2019.1.12.580AboutSectionsView articleView Full TextPDF/EPUB ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack Citations ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail View article References Appelbaum P. 2012 and beyond: potential for the start of a second pre-antibiotic era?. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. 2012;67(9):2062-2068. https://doi.org/10.1093/jac/dks213 Google ScholarAshiru-Oredope D. Providing self-care advice for cold and flu keeps antibiotics working. 2019. https://www.pharmaceutical-journal.com/20206996.article?utm_campaign=2483_PJ_weekly_roundup&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Pharmaceutical%2Journal&firstPass=false (accessed 20 November 2019) Google ScholarCenters for Disease Control and Prevention. Antibiotic prescribing and use in doctor's offfices. 2017. https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/community/index.html (accessed 20 November, 2019) Google ScholarMolteni M. The Post-Antibiotic Era Is Here. Now What? 2017. https://www.wired.com/story/the-post-antibiotic-era-is-here-now-what/ (accessed 25 November 2019) Google ScholarNHS. World Antibiotic Awareness Week, 18-22 November. 2019. https://www.england.nhs.uk/2019/10/world-antibiotic-awareness-week-18-22-november/ (accessed 20 November 2019) Google ScholarPharamaceutical Technlogy. Innovation could prevent a return to a pre-antibiotic era. 2019. https://www.pharmaceutical-technology.com/comment/innovation-prevent-return-pre-antibiotic-era/ (accessed 25 November 2019) Google ScholarRaymond B, Powell N. We must follow these five rules to avert an antimicrobial resistance crisis. 2019. https://www.pharmaceutical-journal.com/news-and-analysis/opinion/insight/we-must-follow-these-five-rules-to-avert-an-antimicrobial-resistance-crisis/20207265.fullarticle (accessed 20 November 2019) Google ScholarRaymond B and Powell N. We Must Follow These Five Rules to Avert an Antimicrobial Resistance Crisis. Pharmaceutical Journal. 2013. www.pharmaceutical-journal.com/20207265.article?utm_campaign=2483_PJ_weekly_roundup&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Pharmaceutical%20Journal (accessed 22 November 2019. Google ScholarReview on Antimicrobial Resistance. Tackling drug-resistant infections globally. 2016. https://amr-review.org/ (accessed 20 November 2019) Google ScholarSprenger M. How to stop antibiotic resistance? Here's a WHO prescription. 2015. https://www.who.int/mediacentre/commentaries/stop-antibiotic-resistance/en/ (accessed 20 November 2019) Google ScholarThe Pharmaceutical Journal. Little progress made to develop incentives for new antibiotics, vaccines and diagnostics, AMR review concludes. 2019. https://www.pharmaceutical-journal.com/20207177.article?utm_campaign=2482_PJ_daily_alert&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Pharmaceutical%20Journal&firstPass=false (accessed 20 November 2019) Google Scholar FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails 2 December 2019Volume 1Issue 12ISSN (print): 2631-8385ISSN (online): 2631-8393 Metrics History Published online 13 December 2019 Published in print 2 December 2019 Information© MA Healthcare LimitedPDF download

Public Health England release new infectious disease strategy targeting antibiotic resistance

British Journal of Healthcare ManagementVol. 25, No. 12 CommentPublic Health England release new infectious disease strategy targeting antibiotic resistanceGemma HarrisGemma HarrisEmail: E-mail Address: [email protected]Freelance JournalistSearch for more papers by this authorGemma HarrisPublished Online:13 Dec 2019https://doi.org/10.12968/bjhc.2019.0111AboutSectionsView articleView Full TextPDF/EPUB ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail View article References Public Health England. Public Health England launches new infectious disease strategy. 2019. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/public-health-england-launches-new-infectious-disease-strategy (accessed 14 November 2019) Google ScholarWorld Health Organization. World Antibiotic Awareness Week 2019. 2019. https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2019/11/18/default-calendar/world-antibiotic-awareness-week-2019 (accessed 18 November 2019) Google Scholar FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails 2 December 2019Volume 25Issue 12ISSN (print): 1358-0574ISSN (online): 1759-7382 Metrics History Published online 13 December 2019 Published in print 2 December 2019 Information© MA Healthcare LimitedPDF download

Antibiotics in Dentistry: A Narrative Review of Literature and Guidelines Considering Antibiotic Resistance

Background: Antibiotic resistance is an important issue for public health. Objective: The aim of this work is to investigate the clinical situations which require the administration of antibiotics in dentistry. Methods: The authors want to do a review of the literature and a comparison of guidelines in dentistry among different countries. The research method was based on the use of Pubmed and the research of indexed articles and documents published by authorities and boards about the antibiotic prescription in dentistry. The paper is an analysis deep inside the physiological and pathological situations that, according to different guidelines, require the use of antimicrobics. The spirit is a clinical one because this paper wants to be a guide for dentists, especially before the administration, in order to moderate the use of antimicrobials. We must remember that the World Health Organisation organizes each year the World Antibiotic Awareness Week, in order to fight against the improper administration of antibiotics in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and industrial livestock. Results: Different guidelines converge on a very calibrate and proper administration of antibiotics. Antibiotics should be used only in recommended situations for risk patients. The authorities and boards should investigate the habits of antibiotic administration, which according to some papers seem to be large and diffused use, not only limited to situations described in guidelines. Conclusion: Dentists, together with the General Practitioners and Paediatricians, should be cautious and accurate and should administrate antibiotics only if recommended by guidelines and effective and safe.

Demographic, Knowledge and Impact Analysis of 57,627 Antibiotic Guardians Who Have Pledged to Contribute to Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance.

In 2014, Public Health England (PHE) developed the behavioural change Antibiotic Guardian (AG) campaign to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This included an online pledge system aimed at healthcare professionals (HCP) and the public. Demographics of AGs were collected when pledging online and analysed by pledge group, type, geography, and source of hearing of the campaign between 24/07/2014–31/12/2017. Website visitors and acquisition routes were described using Google analytics data. From November 2016, five questions assessed AMR knowledge which was compared to published Eurobarometer AMR survey results for UK. Behaviour change of AGs was also assessed through an impact questionnaire, evaluating the effect of the campaign on self-reported behaviour around AMR. Overall there were 231,460 unique website visitors from 202 countries resulting in 57,627 English and 652 foreign language pledges. Website visitors increased each year with peaks during European Antibiotic Awareness Day and (EAAD) World Antibiotic Awareness Week (WAAW). Self-direction was the largest acquisition route (55%) with pledges more likely via this route than social media (OR 2.6, 95% CI 2.5–2.6). AGs (including the public) were more likely to answer questions correctly than the Eurobarometer UK group (OR 8.5, 95% CI 7.4–9.9). AG campaign engagement has increased over the four years with particular increases in the student group. AGs had greater knowledge compared to the Eurobarometer UK population. The latest impact evaluation of the online pledge scheme highlights that it continues to be an effective and inexpensive way to engage people with the problem of AMR especially among those with prior awareness of the topic.

Antimicrobial resistance: a clear and present danger in Ghana

The World Antibiotic Awareness Week (WAAW) is observed every year in November and is aimed at creating awareness of the increasing problem of antibiotic resistance.The celebration is also to encourage best practices among the general public, health workers and policy makers to avoid the further emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance.

CattleReview

Introduction: As we approach World Antibiotic Awareness Week, this edition of Cattle Review considers recent publications regarding antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and antimicrobial use (AMU). Both are areas of ever-increasing research focus as the need to change prescribing practices on-farm intensifies further.

Protect Me

Fergus Allerton, of the Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service, introduces the new PROTECT poster, launched to coincide with World Antibiotic Awareness Week (12-18 November).

Use of antibiotics by spanish dentists receiving postgraduate training in endodontics.

BackgroundThe incidence of endodontic infections is high. The contribution of Endodontics to the global problem of antibiotic resistance could be significant. The ESE, together with the World Health Organization, are promoting the World Antibiotic Awareness Week (13-19 November 2017) to promote the appropriate use of systemic antibiotics in Endodontics. The objective of this study was to determine the prescription pattern of antibiotics in the treatment of endodontic infections of Spanish dentists attending specialization programs in Endodontics.Material and MethodsDentists from five Spanish endodontic postgraduate programs were requested to answer a one-page questionnaire surveying about antibiotics indications. Seventy-three dentists were required to participate in this investigation, and 67 (91.2%) fulfilled satisfactorily the survey and were included in the study. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi square test.ResultsThe average duration of antibiotic therapy was 6.8±1.2 days. All respondents chose amoxicillin as first choice antibiotic in patients with no medical allergies, alone (40%) or associated to clavulanic acid (60%). The first drug of choice for penicillin allergic patients was clindamycin (72%). For cases of irreversible pulpitis, 22% of respondents prescribed antibiotics. For the scenario of a necrotic pulp, symptomatic apical periodontitis and no swelling, 37% prescribed antibiotics. A quarter of dentists prescribed antibiotics for necrotic pulps with asymptomatic apical periodontitis and a sinus tract.ConclusionsThe results of this study show that postgraduate training in Endodontics provides greater awareness of the correct indications of antibiotics. Dentists who have received specialized training in Endodontics have a prescription pattern of antibiotics more adjusted to the guidelines recommended by international organizations and by scientific societies. Key words:Antibiotics, apical periodontitis, dental curriculum, endodontic infections, postgraduate endodontic training.

World Antibiotic Awareness Week

World Antibiotic Awareness Week