Antimicrobial consumption in Albanian reference teaching hospital (2012-2015)

Abstract

Human antibiotic consumption has been increasing globally with the greatest increase being observed in low and middle income countries (LMICs). Despite an estimated 80% of use being attributed to the community, where both prescribed and over the counter (OTC) use are common, especially in LMICs, the volume of patients with serious medical conditions in hospitals and the resultant high density of antibiotic use in such institutions, makes hospital antibiotic use disproportionately important. A recent publication from Albania showed the combined community and hospital consumption in Albania for 2011-2012. However, in a recent World Health Organization (WHO) European Region (WHO/Euro) press release no data from Albania was reported. LMICs generally lack resources for surveillance of antimicrobial consumption rendering any antimicrobial stewardship initiatives more difficult.