Global experts engage in the fight against antimicrobial resistance during the World HAI/Resistance Forum organized by bioMérieux

Marcy l’Etoile (France) – June 22, 2015 – Over 70 world renowned experts in the field of antimicrobial resistance met in Annecy for the 5th edition of the World HAI/Resistance Forum, sponsored by bioMérieux, a world leader in the field of in vitro diagnostics and leader in microbiology. The Forum provided the opportunity to share their global experience and expertise in antimicrobial resistance in humans, animals, the environment and food. The discussions confirmed the need to create synergies between these different sectors. As resistance impacts both people and animals, coordinated action between human and veterinary medicine is essential to effectively combat this global public health threat. The experts also underlined the need for education of healthcare professionals as well as other user targets. They proposed a series of concrete, innovative educational actions, and selected as a priority the development of an international project, which bioMérieux committed to support.

Antimicrobial resistance is recognized as a global public health priority by healthcare organizations (CDC, ECDC, WHO…). Rising worldwide concern over antibiotic resistance prompted President Obama to announce the Administration’s five-year plan to combat this growing public health threat. On June 2nd, 2015, bioMérieux participated in the White House Forum on Antibiotic Stewardship to discuss the possible ways to implement changes over the next five years to slow down the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, prevent the spread of resistant infections and preserve the efficacy of our existing antibiotics.

Indeed, overuse and inappropriate use of antibiotics, in both humans and animals, has led to the rise of antibiotic resistance, which is associated with high morbidity and  mortality rates and generates significant healthcare costs. Therefore, it is important to monitor the evolution of this resistance as well as antibiotic consumption worldwide. In this context, in 2013, during the previous World HAI/Resistance Forum, the experts agreed to initiate the first Global Point Prevalence Survey (GPPS) to measure antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance. Taking place in hospital settings, this study is financed exclusively by bioMérieux. However, in order to guarantee the independence of the results obtained, this project is coordinated by a group of experts including Professors Herman Goossens, Dilip Nathwani, Vincent Jarlier and Peter Zarb, who have already conducted studies of this kind at the European level. Preliminary data were presented during this year’s World HAI/Resistance Forum and the final results will be published next November.

The conclusions of the 5th World HAI/Resistance Forum highlighted the important role of the education in the combat against antimicrobial resistance.  bioMérieux has committed to support the implementation of easily accessible training tools, adapted to different user targets. It must also be possible to track the progress achieved. Several examples of successful education campaigns led by experts participating in the World HAI/Resistance Forum have shown the relevance and efficacy of this type of approach, which is developed at global level and then adapted locally.

bioMérieux continues its historic commitment to public health. Its R&D investments allow the Company to develop and market innovative diagnostic solutions which contribute in particular to the fight against infectious diseases and a more appropriate use of antibiotics. The Company also supports several awareness initiatives and high-level scientific meetings, such as the World HAI/Resistance Forum, as well as national symposia and awareness days for human and veterinary healthcare professionals.

To find out more: www.biomerieux.com       www.youtube.com/biomerieuxdiagnostic

About the World HAI/Resistance Forum

Organized from June 14 to 16, 2015, the 5th World Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) and Antimicrobial Resistance Forum brings together internationally-renowned experts from all over the world.

As the world leader in microbiology and a pioneer in the field of diagnostics for antimicrobial resistance detection and susceptibility testing, bioMérieux works in close collaboration with healthcare professionals in the fields of the prevention of healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial resistance. The role and the contribution of diagnostic testing are essential to combat these infections.

The HAI/Resistance Forum is designed to facilitate the exchange of scientific information and the development of an international network of experts committed to combatting the very real and constantly evolving threat of antimicrobial resistance across the globe.