ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on issues and activities that are relevant to surveillance and prevention and control of antimicrobial resistance in the community and health care settings. The tuberculosis surveillance system collects information on drug susceptibility testing, initial drug regimen, and date therapy started and date therapy stopped for culture-positive patients. This information allows monitoring of the epidemiology of drug resistance so that appropriate interventions can be implemented. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is developing The National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN), an Internet-based nationwide network that will monitor trends in adverse events associated with invasive devices, procedures, and medications used in the delivery of health care. Existing surveillance systems, including the National Nosocomial Infections System, the Dialysis Surveillance Network, and the National Surveillance System for Healthcare Workers will be a part of NHSN. Prevention and control of drug resistance primarily involves promoting appropriate use of antimicrobial drugs to extend their useful life and preventing infection transmission.
