ABSTRACT
Antibacterial resistance is a burgeoning and global problem, involving multiple species of bacteria and most antibacterial agents. The utility of benchmarking techniques in the fight against antibacterial resistance, including the incorporation of valuable data from large surveillance systems. A summary of various national and international antimicrobial surveillance programs, past and present, including those that have received support from industry, is provided. Emphasis is placed upon the molecular characterization and typing of isolates, new methods for detecting antimicrobial resistance in the diagnostic laboratory, and educational efforts to improve laboratory testing and reporting. The relationship between antibacterial use and the emergence of resistance is well documented, and benchmarking antimicrobial use in conjunction with antimicrobial resistance can be valuable for demonstrating both the need for, and the impact of, antimicrobial stewardship programs. National and international surveillance data are of great value for understanding global trends in antibacterial resistance and provide a repository of data for analyses to determine factors predictive of decreased susceptibility.
