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Reference ID U278T9F

Headline Argentina: Addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR)

Description WHONET-Argentina (WHONET-ARG) Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Surveillance Network`s coordinator Celeste is incubating bacterial samples at Malbrán Institute in Buenos on 10 October 2021. The incubator is set to 35 degrees Celsius to favor bacterial growth. Accurate identification of the drug resistance mechanisms allows hospitals to provide effective treatment options for multi-resistant bacterial infections.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines. This makes infections harder to treat and increases the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death. Antimicrobial resistant organisms are found in people, animals, plants and the environment (in water, soil and air). AMR is considered one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity.

AMR can occur naturally over time, usually through genetic changes. However, misuse and overuse of antimicrobials is a main driver of AMR, as is lack of access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) for both humans and animals; poor infection and disease prevention and control in health-care facilities and farms; poor access to quality, affordable medicines, vaccines and diagnostics; lack of awareness and knowledge; and lack of enforcement of legislation.

The Servicio Antimicrobianos of the Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas (INEI) is part of the Administración Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud “Dr Carlos G. Malbrán” (ANLIS-Malbrán, known locally as the Malbrán Institute). The Malbrán Institute is a key space for AMR research, diagnosis, and surveillance, not only for Argentina, but also as a “Regional Reference Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance” for the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and as a “Collaborating Center on Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance” for PAHO and the World Health Organization (WHO). Malbrán’s influence on public health is vital in tracking the emergence of and controlling the spread of AMR in Argentina and the region.

The institute's multidimensional work is mainly focused on five strategic areas: Reference Diagnosis, AMR Surveillance, External Quality Assessment Programs, Human Resources Training and Applied Research. As part of the reference diagnostic work, microbiology laboratories can request the Malbrán Institute to conduct extensive susceptibility testing and molecular characterization of clinical bacterial isolates to provide alternative treatment options for infected patients.

Asset date 10/10/2021

Country, area, WHO office Argentina

City Buenos Aires

Location Malbrán Institute

WHO Region AMRO

Consent Yes

File size 7.67 MB

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