Summary of the latest data on antibiotic resistance in the European Union

EARS-Net data for 2016 show that antimicrobial resistance remains a serious threat to public health in Europe. For invasive bacterial infections, prompt treatment with effective antimicrobial agents is especially important and is one of the single most effective interventions to reduce the risk of a fatal outcome. The high percentages of isolates with resistance to key antimicrobial groups reported from many countries are therefore of great concern and represent a serious threat to patient safety in Europe. Prudent antimicrobial use and comprehensive infection prevention and control strategies targeting all healthcare sectors are the cornerstones of effective intervention to prevent the selection and transmission of bacteria resistant to antimicrobial agents.