Towards an integrated approach to the problem of antimicrobial resistance in Australia

Abstract

'The threat is real, the science is in, the time for action is now!' A familiar refrain that for most of us is associated with the debate surrounding global warming, but surely equally applicable to the situation surrounding its microbiological equivalent ? antimicrobial resistance (AMR). We are all well aware of AMR and the consequences of its emergence and spread, following the recognition of this phenomenon when the ?antibiotic era? began only a few decades ago. Perhaps we have been somewhat complacent about AMR, in that we have relied overmuch on the continuing development of new and better antimicrobial agents. As the efficacy of older antimicrobials wanes and the supply of new agents declines in the face of increasing AMR, some have suggested that we may be facing a ?post-antibiotic era?. This edition of Microbiology Australia provides an overview of the current situation and effects of AMR, especially with regard to Australia. The topic is extensive and the ramifications wide, so the contributions in this edition are aimed to provide only a flavour of the intricacies of the overall problem of AMR, the mechanisms involved, and the known and possible means by which AMR may be contained.