NRP49

Developing methods and strategies to analyse the mechanisms that rule the emergence and spread of resistance.
Developing new methods of in vitro detection of resistance.
Investigating possible methodological issues relative to a surveillance system allowing identification of the emergence and control of the spread of resistance.
Analysing the current resistance situation in Switzerland with reference to pathogenic, non-pathogenic and commensal bacteria.
Determining the consumption of antibiotic substances in Switzerland in quantitative terms. To study how the consumption of antibiotics relates to resistance.
Setting up and validating mathematical models for analysis of the relationship between concentrations of antibiotic substances and resistance in a given population (pharmacodynamic modelling).
Determining the risk factors for infection and colonisation by resistant bacteria in human and veterinary medicine.
Establishing "phylogenetic" relationships between resistance in the various compartments (human beings, animals, the environment, including foodstuffs), above all by the molecular characterisation of resistance determinants and their vectors.
Identifying the presence of clones of resistant bacteria and analysing how they spread. Investigating the reasons why some of these clones successfully cause epidemics.
Analysing possible relationships between resistance to antibiotics and the virulence of bacteria.
Improving the understanding of biochemical resistance mechanisms.
Improving the understanding of genetic mechanisms of resistance acquisition and transfer, notably between pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria, including fastidious bacteria important in medical terms (chlamydia, legionella, mycoplasma, anaerobic bacteria etc.).
Proposing measures to control or even reduce the prevalence of resistance on the basis of the programme`s findings.
Investigating how the Swiss population views the problem, including legal aspects of failed therapy due to resistance.
Analysing ethical aspects, legal bases and the impact of a possible curtailment or modification of antibiotic use with a view to the economy, health freedom and the interests of the individual as opposed to the interests of the community.