From zero to zero in 100 years: gonococcal antimicrobial resistance
Monica M Lahra A B I , Jo-Anne R Dillon C , CR Robert George A , David A Lewis D E , Teodora E Wi F and David M Whiley G HA WHO Collaborating Centre for Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Sydney, Department of Microbiology, South Eastern Area Laboratory Services, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
B School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW 2033, Australia
C Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
D Western Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia
E Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity and Sydney Medical School-Westmead, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
F Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva Switzerland
G Pathology Queensland Central Laboratory, Brisbane, Qld 4029, Australia
H The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Campus, Herston, Qld 4029, Australia
I Email: Monica.Lahra@health.nsw.gov.au
Microbiology Australia 37(4) 173-176 https://doi.org/10.1071/MA16058
Published: 5 October 2016
Abstract
The threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria has been escalated to a rightful seat on the global health agenda. In September 2016, for only the fourth time in United Nations (UN) history, the UN General Assembly in New York will meet to focus on a health threat – antimicrobial resistance. Other diseases afforded this level of consultation at the UN were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), non-communicable diseases and Ebola virus. There are grim predictions for the future in terms of AMR and health security that span income settings. These predictions challenge the premise that minor bacterial infections of childhood are innocuous, and threaten to halt the medical advancements dependant on antibiotic therapy. Those with compromised immune systems, whether endogenous or induced, will be at highest risk. The development and spread of AMR has been, and will continue to be, fanned by the relentless selection pressure of exposure to antibiotics whether used appropriately, unnecessarily or suboptimally, in human health, animal health and agriculture. The distribution of antibiotic resistant bacteria is facilitated by travel and transport. Antimicrobial resistance will affect those in the community and the hospital.
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