Antimicrobial resistance is no longer news. We no longer go to the GP when we have a cold expecting to receive antibiotics because we are well aware that they are not effective against viral infections. We know that prudent use of antibiotics can help stop resistant bacteria from developing and help keep antibiotics effective for the use of future generations. We have been well educated!
However, the ability of bacteria to survive antibiotic treatment remains a growing concern for both the medical and the veterinary professions. In 2013 the Government launched its Five Year Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy. It ‘sets out actions to slow the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance with a focus on antibiotics’.
The overall goal of this cross-government UK strategy is to slow the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance by focusing activities around three strategic aims to: improve the knowledge and understanding of antimicrobial resistance; conserve and steward the effectiveness of existing treatments; and stimulate the development of new antibiotics, diagnostics and novel therapies.
On 18th November it is European Antibiotic Awareness Day. This is an annual European public health initiative that aims to raise awareness about the threat to public health of antibiotic resistance and the importance of prudent antibiotic use. As veterinary nurses you are well placed to get involved. It is your chance to tell pet owners visiting your practice that it is not just the human medical profession that is helping to preserve antibiotic effectiveness; the veterinary profession plays an important role too! Resistant bacteria and resistant genes may be transferred from animals to humans. It is vital that antibiotics are only prescribed to animals when they are absolutely needed and that pet owners understand that any antibiotics prescribed should be taken properly and the course finished, just as in human medicine.
In this issue of the journal we have two articles looking at infection control. The first article by Alison Mann looks at pre-surgical hand preparation (p464–7). In her review article Alison compares the traditional method of hand asepsis using a brush and soap with an alcohol hand rub — the evidence indicates that alcohol hand rubs have many advantages over traditional hand preparation techniques. The second is a research article comparing chlorhexidine gluconate, povidone iodine and green tea as an alternative natural antimicrobial (p485–92). The results of this study indicate that while green tea does have some antimicrobial properties, chlorhexidine gluconate is the most effective topical antimicrobial for surgical preparation of veterinary patients.
The better the infection control within veterinary practices the fewer antibiotics will need to be prescribed. Why not take a look at your infection control strategy?
So, while antibiotic resistance may not be news, it is still newsworthy! I hope you enjoy this issue.