Intervention studies and antimicrobial resistance in Italy: An overview of the latest evidence.

OBJECTIVE

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant and growing threat to public health globally, with Italy facing some of the highest resistance rates in Europe. This manuscript reviewed recent Italian intervention studies aimed at mitigating AMR across bacterial, fungal, and viral domains.

METHODS

Strategies including antimicrobial stewardship (AMS), infection prevention and control (IPC), antifungal stewardship (AFS), and diagnostic advancements were evaluated. The evidence highlighted both the promise and limitations of Italy's current approach.

RESULTS

While AMS and IPC programs have reduced antibiotic use, healthcare-associated infections, and costs, regional disparities, inconsistent implementation, and limited longitudinal surveillance remain critical challenges. The fungal resistance landscape is marked by rising threats like Candida auris, requiring urgent expansion of AFS programs. Italy's AMR strategy would benefit from improved IPC infrastructure, realtime data integration, and alignment with One Health principles.

CONCLUSIONS

Strengthening national coordination, supportinginnovation, and translating surveillance into action at the local level are crucial for turning policy into measurable progress. This review provides actionable insights to guide a more unified and responsive national AMR framework.