Bern, 18.11.2024 – Surveillance of the use of antibiotics and the development of resistance is a key steering instrument of the Swiss Antibiotic Resistance Strategy (StAR). The latest research report provides insights into the current situation in Switzerland.
Swiss Antibiotic Resistance Report 2024
When bacteria become insensitive or less sensitive to antibiotics, we speak of antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance can make the treatment of infections more difficult or even impossible. Together with the international community, Switzerland is called upon to prevent the emergence of new resistance and limit its transmission and spread.
The Swiss Antibiotic Resistance Strategy (StAR) was launched in 2015 to promote the responsible use of antibiotics and slow the spread of resistance. These efforts will be further reinforced by the new One Health Action Plan 2024–2027 StAR.
The monitoring of antibiotic use and resistance in humans, in livestock and pets, and in the environment is an important part of the strategy and action plan. The general situation and developments in use and resistance are summarised in the Swiss Antibiotic Resistance Report, which is published every two years. The latest findings can now be found in the current report.
Progress and potential for optimisation in prescribing practice
The use of antibiotics in human medicine in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic has risen again overall to a level similar to that of 2019. When it comes to prescriptions in GP practices, in 20% of cases the antibiotic class was not chosen in line with the national guidelines. Furthermore, significantly more antibiotics continue to be used in Latin Switzerland than in German-speaking parts of the country. Both these facts indicate room for improvement in prescription practice.
In veterinary medicine, the latest data show that antibiotic use is declining overall, that therapy guidelines are being closely observed for all animal species and that the right classes of antibiotics are being used. Among farm animals, cattle are most often treated with antibiotics, followed by poultry, small ruminants (sheep and goats) and pigs.
Resistance situation in humans and animals
In human medicine, resistance rates have stabilised for the time being. For some pathogens, resistance rates have increased significantly since monitoring began in 2005, while for others they have remained stable or declined. Overall, Switzerland is still less affected by infections caused by resistant bacteria than other European countries (e.g. France and Italy). Nevertheless, it is estimated that around 300 people die in Switzerland every year from infection with resistant pathogens.
In the veterinary field, meat samples from retail and tissue samples from healthy slaughtered animals are analysed in addition to samples from sick animals.
- A significant decline in resistance rates of E.coli bacteria from the intestines of slaughtered animals that are resistant to cephalosporins and often also to other antibiotics (multiresistant) has been observed in broilers over the past few years.
- In fattening pigs and calves, however, these rates have remained unchanged or in some cases have increased slightly.
- Since 2014, there has been a significant decline in resistance rates for these pathogens in retail chicken meat, particularly in Swiss chicken meat.
Reducing the antibiotic burden on the environment by expanding sewage treatment plants
Some of the antibiotics taken by humans and animals are excreted again and thus enter wastewater, water and soil. To minimise the concentration of antibiotics in wastewater, an additional treatment step is currently used to treat around 15% of Swiss wastewater; by 2040, this is set to increase to 70%. Based on current knowledge, it is unlikely that the measured antibiotic concentrations directly promote the development of resistance.
Efforts to combat antibiotic resistance still necessary
Despite the progress described above, antibiotic resistance remains a challenge. The One Health Action Plan 2024–2027 StAR launched in June 2024 will strengthen measures already implemented, define specific goals and set priorities for the coming years.
Monitoring the use of antibiotics and the development of resistance remains a key instrument for implementing the Swiss Antibiotic Resistance Strategy (StAR) and thus for all federal offices involved: the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO), the Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG) and the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN).
International commitment and national initiatives on antibiotic resistance
The annual World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW) from 18 to 24 November draws attention to the threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The aim is to slow the development of resistance by raising awareness among professionals and the public about the prudent use of antibiotics. Events and awareness-raising campaigns are designed to raise awareness of the need for action and motivate people to take concrete measures.
In Switzerland, too, various actors are organising panel discussions, further training, company visits and information stands. For example, the results of the Swiss Antibiotic Resistance Report 2024 will be presented and current challenges in dealing with antibiotic resistance will be discussed in a webinar.
Last modification 18.11.2024
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