Infection Prevention/Antimicrobial Stewardship

Question 0

Consider the consequences of infection transmission

Answer 0

Endemic disease - usual background rate
Outbreak - two or more cases linked in time and place
Epidemic - rate of infection > usual background rate
Pandemic - very high rate of infection spreading across many regions, countries, continents

Question 1

Consider the methods by which infections can spread

Answer 1

Non human source –> human

Person –> person (directly/indirectly)

Question 2

Consider the principles of infection prevention

Answer 2

Reduce/eradicate pathogen (antibacterials, decontamination)
Reduce/eradicate vector
Improved health
Immunity (passive, active)

Question 3

Appreciate the consequences of antibiotic resistance

Answer 3

Antimicrobial use –> resistance
Resistance is effectively irreversible
Antimicrobial development is stalled (no new classes)
Consequences:
Treatment failure, prophylaxis failure, costs

Question 4

Consider the role of antibiotic stewardship in the reduction of the spread of resistant organisms

Answer 4

Objectives:
Appropriate use of antimicrobials
Optimal clinical outcomes
Mimics toxicity and adverse reactions 
Reduce the costs of health care for infections
Limit the selection for antimicrobial resistant strains
Elements:
Multidisciplinary teams, surveillance, interventions
Requirements:
Appropriate resources
Hospital leadership support
Challenge/change inappropriate therapy