Antibiotics and One Health

Date: 09/01/2024

Antibiotics are used almost everywhere: in human and veterinary medicine, agriculture and aquaculture. Their use leads to increased evolutionary pressure and the spread of antibiotic resistance in all these areas.

Humans

Antibiotics can save lives, but not every use of antibiotics in human medicine makes sense. The Robert Koch Institute has established a nationwide system for monitoring antibiotic consumption in hospitals (Antibiotic Consumption Surveillance, AVS). The institute also collects data on the development of resistance (Antibiotic Resistance Surveillance, ARS). ARVIA ("ARS and AVS Integrated Analysis") is a project funded by the Federal Ministry of Health with the aim of analysing the data on antibiotic consumption and antibiotic resistance from both surveillance systems at hospital level in relation to each other. The aim is to support hospitals in their activities to achieve rational antibiotic consumption and fulfil legal requirements. In addition, the project SAMBA evaluates the establishment of a nationwide surveillance of outpatient antibiotic use, including a feedback report system for doctor's offices.

Animals

For information on programmes and measures to limit antibiotic resistance in the veterinary sector, see the information provided by the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety.

Environment

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are also found in the environment, for example in water and soil. The genes that confer resistance properties can also occur in the environment. The assessment of infection risks in bodies of water is the task of the German Environment Agency and the relevant authorities at federal state and municipal level.