Perceptions of use and efficacy of antimicrobials by the public, farmers, medical and Veterinary professionals

Background: Antibiotic resistance is now a global threat due to the misuse of antibiotics worldwide in both human and animals medicine. Objectives: The main aim of this research is to look at how antibiotics are used and perceived by different groups of individuals; Agriculture, veterinary, medical and the public in order to identify areas where more resources are required. Sources of data: A questionnaire was circulated online for participants to complete anomalously. Results: The questionnaire was completed by a total of 874 participants globally with the majority from the UK. Results of the listed diseases were sub-divided in categories; viral, bacterial, pathogenic and syndromic. Of the viral diseases 'foot and mouth disease' showed the highest 'Yes' response with 17% (152) with the public being the highest groups. Both MRSA 23% (204) and Salmonella 22% (196) were the highest bacterial diseases that participants stated couldn't not effectively be treated with antibiotics, in response to salmonella almost a quarter were from medical professionals. Conclusion: Results from this questionnaire give an insight in to how antibiotics are used by different groups of individuals and their understanding of the development of resistance. This provides a platform to further develop specific areas that can be targeted. For example, education is a continual part of the process of reducing the uses of antibiotics.