Responsible choosing of antibiotics

Question 1

What is the antimicrobial stewardship?

Answer 1

Designed to improve/ measure the appropriate use of antimicrobials. Promotes selection of the optimal drug, dose and length of therapy as well as route of administration

Question 2

Name some high risk antibiotic groups

Answer 2

• Fluoro and other quinolones
• Cephalosporins (3rd/ 4th gen)
• Macrolides
• Glycopeptides
• These classes are high risk because if resistance develops it can pass onto human medicine easily

Question 3

What are the steps of the 7 point plan?

Answer 3

1) Work with clients to avoid need for AB
2) Avoid inappropriate use
3) Choose right drug for right bug
4) Monitor antimicrobial sensitivity
5) Minimise use
6) Record and justify deviations from protocols
7) Report suspected treatment failure to the VMD

Question 4

What extra factors might impact on drug choice?

Answer 4

• Age of patient (can’t use fluoro in horses <3)
• Site of infection and if more than one infectious pathogen is present
• Immune status of the patient (bactericidal drugs preferred in hosts with impaired immune system)
• If patient is a food animal