The impact of antibiotic use on transmission of resistant bacteria in hospitals: Insights from an agent-based model.

ABSTRACT: Extensive antibiotic use over the years has led to the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB). Antibiotic resistance poses a major threat to public health since for many infections antibiotic treatment is no longer effective. Hospitals are focal points for ARB spread. Antibiotic use in hospitals exerts selective pressure, accelerating the spread of ARB. We used an agent-based model to explore the impact of antibiotics on the transmission dynamics and to examine the potential of stewardship interventions in limiting ARB spread in a hospital. Agents in the model consist of patients and health care workers (HCW). The transmission of ARB occurs through contacts between patients and HCW and between adjacent patients. In the model, antibiotic use affects the risk of transmis

SUBMITTER: Almagor J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5951570 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature