Antibiotics and antibiotic resistances in the environment : background, challenges and options for action / publisher: Umweltbundesamt (German Environment Agency/UBA) ; authors: N. Adler, F. Balzer, K. Blondzik, F. Brauer, I. Chorus, I. Ebert, T. Fiedler, T. Grummt, J. Heidemeier, A. Hein, M. Helmecke, F. Hilliges, I. Kirst, J. Klasen, S. Konradi, B. Krause, A. Küster, C. Otto, U. Pirntke, A. Roskosch, J. Schönfeld, H.-C. Selinka, R. Szewzyk, K. Westphal-Settele, W. Straff ; editing: Anette Küster, Nicole Adler

Abstract

Environmental aspects have so far only partially been addressed in the discussion of antimicrobial resistance. To bring this issue into focus, UBA compiled background information and data on the topic 'Antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance in the environment'. The results show that previously considered requirements for reduction, from the perspective of UBA, are insufficient to adequately protect health and the environment. UBA sees urgent need for improvement and proposes possible options for action.