Building a Strategy Based on Risk Assesement and Surveillance

Abstract

The paper will present a structure for the evaluation of antibiotic resistance trends as well as a calculus for decision-making. The requisite tools are microbial risk assessment, surveillance of resistance trends and resistance threshold establishment. The role of risk assessors, risk managers, governments and the public will be explored. The principal thrust of the paper will involve an assessment of the interrelationship between sound science and the precautionary principle as these relate to antibiotic resistance control. Finally, the transparency of control procedures and the need for effective communication with the public will be compared, contrasted and detailed.