Data handling as a basis for local antimicrobial resistance surveillance

Abstract

Continuing trends of antimicrobial resistance growth require a set of countermeasures, of which antimicrobial resistance surveillance at the global, national, and local levels plays one of the most important roles. Local surveillance systems are the most significant in controlling the changes in susceptibility of microorganisms in specific settings and contribute to the necessary activities, including prevention of epidemics. This paper presents basic principles and recommendations for handling antimicrobial resistance surveillance data, provides examples of table completion and metadata quick guide. A focus is made on specific issues and problems associated with surveillance data handling and the ways to resolve those problems are proposed.