Antibiogram: A clinical audit

Abstract

An antibiogram is a valuable tool in clinical microbiology that provides a summary of antimicrobial susceptibility patterns for various bacterial pathogens within a healthcare facility or region. A clinical audit of antibiograms involves systematically reviewing and analyzing these susceptibility reports to assess the effectiveness of current antibiotic prescribing practices and guide future treatment decisions. This process typically includes collecting data on bacterial isolates, their sources, and their susceptibility to different antibiotics over a specified period. The audit may evaluate trends in resistance patterns, identify emerging multidrug-resistant organisms, and compare local susceptibility data with national or international benchmarks. By conducting regular antibiogram audits, healthcare institutions can optimize antimicrobial stewardship programs, update empiric therapy guidelines, and ultimately improve patient outcomes by ensuring the most appropriate and effective antibiotic choices are made based on local resistance patterns.