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Review
. 2021 May 25;3(2):dlab060.
doi: 10.1093/jacamr/dlab060. eCollection 2021 Jun.

The antibiogram: key considerations for its development and utilization

William R Truong  1   2 , Levita Hidayat  3 , Michael A Bolaris  4   5 , Lee Nguyen  6 , Jason Yamaki  2   7
Affiliations
Review

The antibiogram: key considerations for its development and utilization

William R Truong et al. JAC Antimicrob Resist. .

Abstract

The antibiogram is an essential resource for institutions to track changes in antimicrobial resistance and to guide empirical antimicrobial therapy. In this Viewpoint, data and examples from literature are presented that suggest institutions have not completely adopted the standardized approach in developing antibiograms, as variations in the development methodologies of antibiograms exist despite consensus guidelines (M39) published by CLSI. We emphasize developing antibiograms in line with the M39 recommendations will help ensure that they are accurate, reliable and valid, and highlight that understanding the limitations of antibiogram data is critical to ensuring appropriate interpretation and application to clinical decision-making. We also stress the importance of easy accessibility and education on antibiogram use, to allow for prescribers to select the most optimal empirical treatment regimens and propose the creation of an abbreviated antibiogram for frontline users. Multidisciplinary antimicrobial stewardship programmes are vital to accomplishing these goals.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
An example of a practical abbreviated antibiogram that lists relevant organisms most commonly encountered in typical infections along with the common antibiotics used for treatment. SXT, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. aSusceptibility rates in parentheses are based on meningitis breakpoints.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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