Antimicrobial resistance in the Americas: Addressing one of the most pressing health threats

ABSTRACT

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when microorganisms that cause infection (bacteria, parasites, viruses, and fungi) become resistant to the antimicrobial drugs we use to treat them. When this happens, infections last longer, are more severe, and become more contagious. Resistance leads to the ineff ectiveness of antimicrobials, the cornerstone of modern medicine, threatening our ability to treat infections and perform safe, life-saving procedures. AMR is also very costly in economic terms. Much longer hospital stays and expensive drugs are needed to treat AMR infections, leading to higher healthcare costs and higher morbidity and mortality of hospital patients, especially those in intensive care units, oncology, and neonatology.