Swiss Germans use far fewer antibiotics than their Latin neighbors, a report suggests.Image: Moment RF
If the use of antibiotics continues to decline in Switzerland, particularly in veterinary medicine, efforts remain necessary to ensure that they are used correctly, according to a report published this Monday.
The use of so-called “critical” antibiotics has decreased by 26% since 2014 in human medicine, indicates the Swiss Antibiotic Resistance Report 2024. As a reminder, these antibiotics have a high potential for the development of resistance and they should therefore only be used in cases of specific infections.
At the same time, there has been a 76% drop in their use in farm animals and a “significant” decline (19%) in companion animals, note the Federal Offices of Public Health (OFSP), Safety Food and Veterinary Affairs (FSVO), Agriculture (FOAG) and Environment (FOEN) in a joint press release.
Return to pre-pandemic level
The report emphasizes, however, that the consumption of antibiotics in human medicine increased again after the Covid-19 pandemic to return to its 2019 level. It amounted to 10.8 defined daily doses per 1000 inhabitants per day (DID) in 2023, compared to 8.6 in 2021.
The large wave of respiratory tract infections recorded in winter/spring 2023 probably played a role in this regard, notes the report. In European comparison, however, the Confederation obtains “good, even very good results”, indicates the report. The average for EU countries is 19.4 DID.
The report notes, however, thatapproximately 20% of prescriptions by family doctors use classes of antibiotics that are not recommended by national directives.
Röstigraben
We also observe significant regional differences: German-speaking Switzerland uses much less antibiotics than Latin Switzerland (7.8 DID beyond Sarine, compared to 12.4 in Ticino and 13.1 in French-speaking Switzerland). These disparities demonstrate that prescribing practice can be improved, note the federal offices.
Antibiotics should be used as targeted and moderately as possible in order to minimize the development of resistance and ensure the long-term effectiveness of these drugs.
Le communiqué commun de l’OFSP, OSAV, OFAG et OFEV
The resistance rate evolves differently depending on the areas, but it has generally stabilized in recent years, according to the report. Problematic pathogens continue to be closely monitored.
This summer, the Federal Council adopted a new One Health StAR action plan for the years 2024 to 2027. The ongoing partial revision of the Epidemics Act aims to create new legal bases with a view to improving health in the long term. surveillance, prevention and fight against antibiotic resistance, specifies the press release. (mbr/ats)
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