antibiotic Resistance in the Netherlands: A 2024 Update
A new report from the RIVM (Netherlands National Institute for Public Health and the Environment), titled NethMap One Health 2025, highlights ongoing concerns regarding antibiotic resistance, despite the Netherlands having lower rates than many other European countries.
Key Findings:
* Increasing Resistance: while generally lower than in other European nations, antibiotic resistance is increasing in the Netherlands, particularly in bacteria causing urinary tract infections. These bacteria are showing growing resistance to first-choice antibiotics.
* Staphylococcus aureus: Resistance to first-choice antibiotics is also rising in Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, which can cause skin infections.
* Last-Resort Antibiotics: Hospitals are increasingly relying on last-resort antibiotics, underscoring the need for careful antibiotic stewardship. Antibiotic prescription rates in general practice, hospitals, and nursing homes remained stable between 2023 and 2024, though notable variation exists between institutions.
* Livestock Farming: Antibiotic use in Dutch livestock farming remains stable following a significant decline since 2009, and resistance levels in animals are also consistent. Antibiotics crucial for human health are rarely used in farm animals.
Prevention Efforts:
The Netherlands prioritizes preventing the spread of resistant bacteria thru robust infection prevention measures, such as consistent hand hygiene, particularly when caring for high-risk patients. These efforts contribute to lower resistance rates compared to many other countries.
The RIVM emphasizes the continued importance of responsible antibiotic use and adherence to regulations to combat antimicrobial resistance.
