A. Bottner et al., Guideline for the planning of studies to determine the antimicrobial resistance of infectious agents of veterinary relevance, BERL MUN TI, 113(7-8), 2000, pp. 299-305
Citations number
24
Categorie Soggetti
Veterinary Medicine/Animal Health
Journal title
BERLINER UND MUNCHENER TIERARZTLICHE WOCHENSCHRIFT
This paper describes the most important criteria for the planning of statis
tically sound and representative studies on the prevalence of antimicrobial
resistance among pathogenic bacteria from animals. The statistical design
of the study is of particular importance and therefore described in some de
tail. The existing published data about antimicrobial resistance are mostly
retrospective summaries of results and do not give a true picture of the r
esistance situation. The authors propose to conduct a pilot study initially
because many basic elements for a sound study design are still not known.
The systematic recording and assessment of the target variables including t
he necessary quality assurance are an important prerequisite. Moreover, pot
ential cause variables can be further narrowed down and conclusively identi
fied. To ensure the representativity of the cross-sectional study and avoid
potential bias, it is important to achieve the highest possible response r
ate. This will form the basis of a scientifically sound resistance monitori
ng programme which should be the joint responsibility of regulatory authori
ties, industry and academia.