The Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC) has unveiled a comprehensive national snapshot of antimicrobial resistance and use, shedding light on the latest trends in antibiotic resistance and antimicrobial consumption. The report, titled 'Sixth Australian Report on Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in Human Health' (AURA report), reveals a concerning 25% increase in critical antibiotic resistance cases in Australia in 2024, with a staggering 45% of post-surgery antibiotics deemed inappropriate. But here's where it gets controversial: while overall antibiotic use is down 21% from a decade ago, there's a worrying trend in the prescription of lower-risk antibiotics, which are being overused even in situations where their benefits are unclear. This highlights the need for targeted interventions in specific areas. The report, which combines data from hospitals, aged care settings, and the community, provides a detailed picture of antibiotic usage and the rapid emergence of resistance. It emphasizes the importance of antimicrobials and the need to protect their effectiveness for the future. Key findings include: 88.1% of 'last-line' antibiotics were prescribed appropriately in hospitals, but only 45% of post-surgery antibiotics were deemed appropriate. In 2024, 14.4% more antimicrobials were prescribed to older Australians in residential aged care than in 2023, with 34.7% of antibiotics prescribed to aged care residents used for prolonged periods (over 6 months). The CDC spokesperson highlighted the critical areas of concern, urging a stronger focus on targeted areas to combat the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance. The AURA report, the first of its kind released by the Australian CDC, serves as a foundational part of Australia's long-term response to antimicrobial resistance, providing the national evidence base needed to guide stewardship, infection prevention, clinical guidelines, and future policy decisions. The report is available on the Antimicrobial resistance website (https://www.amr.gov.au/resources/sixth-australian-report-antimicrobial-use-and-resistance-human-health-aura-report-0).
