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Infection Prevention

Antimicrobial Resistance

A healthcare professional provides support to a patient in a bathrobe and hair cover in a private hospital waiting area.

Antimicrobials are important medicines used to treat infections. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious threat to human health and patient safety. Hundreds of people in Australia die each year as a result of AMR.

AMR is when an antimicrobial is no longer able to effectively treat an infection. This is that a microorganism has developed resistance to an antimicrobial, so it won’t work to kill the infection.

Antimicrobial resistance is sometimes called antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics are one type of antimicrobial that are used to treat bacterial infections. AMR affects all antimicrobials, not just antibiotics.

The more antimicrobials are used, the more likely it is AMR will develop. Consumers and clinicians can work together to prevent AMR. 

Website
Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care

Information for consumers on antimicrobial resistance. 
Document
Antibiotics (Antimicrobials) and Older People

A downloadable factsheet for older people, their families and carers.
Source: Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care
Document
Do I Really Need Antibiotics?

A downloadable factsheet about the use of antibiotics and questions to ask.
Source: Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care

Related Services

Disclaimer: This fact sheet provides general information only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For specific advice regarding your health or medical concerns, please consult your healthcare provider. Burnside Hospital does not accept any responsibility for any loss or damage arising from reliance on the information provided. In case of urgent medical needs, please contact your nearest emergency department.

Created: August 2025  |  Reviewed: June 2026

Burnside Hospital acknowledges the Kaurna people as the Traditional Owners of the land and waters on which we live and care for our community.
We recognise their Native Title Rights to Country, and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

Visit burnsidehospital.asn.au for more information