Antibiotic Resistance: Back to the Basics

Session Description : The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has deemed antibiotic resistance a global threat. Furthermore, some antibiotic resistant pathogens such as carbapenemase-producing organisms (CPOs) are nationally notifiable to the CDC and many state health departments are mandating reporting. Infection Preventionists are a key stakeholder in decreasing the prevalence and incidence of antibiotic resistant pathogens. However, antibiotic resistance can be a difficult topic to learn, understand, and apply knowledge to in the healthcare setting. Infection Preventionists need to understand the biology of antibiotic resistance in detail to truly impact transmission. The information in this session will be beneficial to participants for preventing transmission as well as for public health reporting purposes.
“Antibiotic Resistance: Back to the Basics” encourages participants to critically think about antibiotic resistance and identify opportunities to participate in antibiotic stewardship activities. This session will first provide a background on the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance. Participants will be guided through a review of laboratory interpretations for relevant laboratory tests, such as antibiotic susceptibilities, phenotypic tests (e.g., Carbapenemase Nordmann-Poirel [Carba NP]), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. Finally, important considerations for the Infection Preventionist will be covered such as interfacility communication, the use of transmission-based precautions, colonization screening strategies, and the role of the Infection Preventionist on antibiotic stewardship teams.
This presentation is structured to build a foundation of knowledge in antibiotic resistance such that the Infection Preventionist can then apply to the healthcare setting. This session is appropriate for Infection Preventionists at all career stages.