The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control released a report outlining the current situation and detailing options for response to mcr-1’s growing presence. The organization recommends labs adopt improved methods for detecting bacterial resistance to last-resort drug treatments; improving global, national and local surveillance of bacteria carrying the resistance gene to identify and monitor the spread of resistance; and more timely clinical management of treating resistant infections. This includes testing microbiological samples for their colistin susceptibility before administering the drug.
The report also outlines antimicrobial stewardship program must-haves for hospitals, as well as infection control precautions related to device reprocessing and hygiene, among other factors, that play a role in controlling the spread of superbugs.
Read the full report here.
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