Infections with resistant organisms result in treatment failures, higher health care costs and mortality from infections previously treatable with antibiotics. The most effective way to control resistance is to decrease inappropriate antibiotic use, however controlling the spread of resistant organisms through effective infection control practices is of also of the highest priority.

The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant organisms has been of particular concern in hospitals where intensity of antibiotic use correlates with rapid development of resistance, but community acquired infection with resistant organisms is occurring with increasing frequency.

The pathogens that have received the most attention to date include methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), also described as oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (ORSA); vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE); and drug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae (DRSP). Although infections with these agents are not notifiable in Washington, public health surveillance is carried out to identify trends of resistance in our communities, to recognize emerging patterns, and to promote appropriate use of antibiotics by providing information to clinicians.

Other organisms with emerging resistance being monitored closely include S. aureus with reduced susceptibility to vancomycin (VISA/GISA), S. aureus resistant to vancomycin (VRSA/GRSA), and multidrug-resistant Salmonella. Also of concern is emerging resistance to fluoroquinolones ( e.g., ciprofloxacin) by a variety of bacteria, including P. aeruginosa, E. coli and Campylobacter.
For more information on antibiotic resistance surveillance in Washington, contact DOH Communicable Disease Epidemiology.

Resources are listed below, which provide more information on prevalence of antimicrobial resistant organisms, health education for appropriate use of antibiotics, and infection control recommendations.