title: Rising antimicrobial resistance: a strong reason to reduce excessive antimicrobial consumption in New Zealand.
abstract: Steadily rising rates of antimicrobial resistance, in a range of common bacterial pathogens, are a major threat to human health in New Zealand in the near future. The single largest contributor to this threat is the high level of antimicrobial consumption in New Zealand. Antimicrobial consumption in New Zealand needs to be reduced if we are to slow the spread of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. Reporting the per capita antimicrobial consumption within each District Health Board (DHB), in relation to targets for reductions from present levels of consumption, could provide an impetus for DHBs to address this threat to the health of their populations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand. mg.thomas@auckland.ac.nz.
authors.forename: Mark G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: Alesha J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Murray
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tilyard
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D017714:Community-Acquired Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D024881:Drug Resistance, Bacterial; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009520:New Zealand; D018570:Risk Assessment
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents