Antimicrobial resistance, or the development of resistance to pharmaceuticals used to treat diseases caused by microbes, is one of the greatest threats to health globally. Multiresistant bacteria cause prolonged treatment periods as well as increase deaths and healthcare costs. Underlying the development of antimicrobial resistance is the global consumption of antimicrobial drugs in both humans and animals.
Furthermore, research helps identify other reasons for the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance. Multiresistant bacteria can be transmitted between humans, animals, food and the environment.
The focus in research is understanding the reasons behind antimicrobial resistance as well as its development and spread, and designing preventive measures targeted at a global phenomenon that threatens both human and animal health throughout the world.