Role of global surveillance in combating bacterial resistance

In recent years, one of the more alarming aspects of clinical microbiology has been the dramatic increase in the incidence of antibacterial resistance among pathogens causing nosocomial as well as community-acquired infection s. Numerous antibacterial agents have lost their in vitro activity as a res ult of selective pressure exerted by antibacterial usage. There is a genera l consensus on the fact that emergence and spread of resistance may be dela yed by improving hygiene measures, reducing inappropriate use of antibacter ials, and adopting successful empirical therapy based on sound epidemiologi cal data. As a consequence, worldwide international studies of antibacteria l resistance surveillance have been established. Surveys such as the Alexan der Project and the SENTRY Programme supply high quality data to participat ing countries, stimulate collaboration and provide the educational informat ion required for clinical decision-making that may result in improved curl rates.