Author Description

The present book, the first-of-its-kind, builds a compelling case of surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). In addition to providing a historical and conceptual notion of surveillance, the authors argue that there exists a serious lacuna with respect to understanding the broad spectrum of its determinants. This is because with the exception of use / misuse of antimicrobials in animals, human beings and agriculture, the role of several other factors that accelerate the transmission of antimicrobial-resistant strains (ARS) is infrequently discussed in the mainstream AMR discourse. A more profound understanding of determinants and pathways of transmission is hence indispensable from the perspective of identifying interactions that may be altered to curb the spread of AMR. Further, in one of the first concerted global efforts, WHO’s Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (GAP) aims towards fostering AMR stewardship with strengthening knowledge and evidence base through AMR surveillance and research’ as one of the core objectives. In this regard, WHO's Global Antimicrobial Surveillance System (GLASS) is also paralleled by initiatives and measures undertaken by international agencies, regional groups, and individual countries on certain key indicators to strengthen the surveillance systems to better comprehend the prevalence and incidence of AMR. The authors also analytically analyze such surveillance measures at the international and regional levels and provide an in-depth discussion on AMR surveillance networks in selected countries including India, Argentina, Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, United Kingdom and United States of America. The book concludes by arguing for an IT-enabled framework of AMR surveillance and also highlights the challenges that may emanate from the creation of such systems.