EARS-Net

EARS-Net (European Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network) is a European network that monitors antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria that cause serious infections. It is coordinated by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

History

EARS-Net was established in 1998 under the name EARSS (European Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System). In 2010, it was integrated into the ECDC and renamed EARS-Net.

Objectives

The primary objectives of EARS-Net are to:

• Monitor trends in antimicrobial resistance in Europe.
• Provide data for the development of public health policies.
• Support national efforts to control antimicrobial resistance.
• Facilitate the exchange of information and best practices among European countries.

Data Collection and Reporting

EARS-Net collects data from participating laboratories in European countries. The data includes information on antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The data is reported annually and is used to generate reports and maps that illustrate the prevalence and trends of antimicrobial resistance across Europe.

Importance

Antimicrobial resistance is a significant public health concern as it can lead to treatment failures, increased healthcare costs, and higher mortality rates. EARS-Net plays a crucial role in providing reliable data that helps in understanding the scope of the problem and in formulating effective strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance.

Participating Countries

EARS-Net includes participation from all European Union member states, as well as several non-EU countries. The network fosters collaboration and data sharing among these countries to enhance the overall understanding and management of antimicrobial resistance.

Related Pages

• European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
• Antimicrobial resistance
• Escherichia coli
• Staphylococcus aureus
• Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Enterococcus faecalis
• Enterococcus faecium
• Klebsiella pneumoniae
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa

See Also

• Healthcare-associated infections
• Public health
• Infectious disease
• Microbiology