Press Release: Working against ‘super bugs’: Member States must do more to combat antimicrobial resistance

According to a report published by the European Commission on 22 December 2005 (COM (2005) 684), efforts need to be stepped up to reduce the inappropriate use of antibiotics in the European Union and curb the emergence of ‘super bugs’ resistant to medical treatments. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics have accelerated the global development of bacteria and other microbes immune to drugs normally used to fight them. This phenomenon, known as ‘antimicrobial resistance’, can pose a serious danger to public health, as traditional treatments for various medical conditions are rendered ineffective. The report highlights key areas which need to be addressed by Member States to tackle antimicrobial resistance, in particular better infection control, reduced self-medication of antibiotics, and more information for citizens on the proper use of antimicrobial treatments.

European Commission: DG Health and Consumer Protection: Public Health: Threats to Health: Antimicrobial resistance http://ec.europa.eu/comm/health/ph_threats/com/mic_res/mic_resistance_en.htm

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