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20 VET REPORT VITALS What Does a Rise in Antimicrobial Resistance Mean? VET REPORT VITALS shutterstock.com/Pressmaster IMPLICATIONS OF ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE FOR COMPANION ANIMAL PRACTICE Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) arises when bacteria develop the ability to grow in the presence of antimicrobial drugs. This phenomenon is a natural evolutionary process of bacteria but develops more rapidly through misuse and overuse of antimicrobials. 1 Resistance minimizes the medication options to treat bacterial infections and can challenge veterinarians' ability to provide effective therapy. Antimicrobial-resistant bacteria pose disease management concerns not only because resistant organisms can be directly transmitted between hosts, but also because resistance may be transmitted between bacterial species. Evidence indicates that antimicrobial- resistant bacteria are transmitted bidirectionally between humans and household animals. This has implications for the health of companion animal patients, their owners, and their caretakers. Infection with resistant organisms can lead to longer and more severe infections, increased mortality, and higher costs for treatment. 1,2 The growing threat of AMR has contributed to an increased scrutiny of antibiotic use practices in both human and veterinary medicine ( Figure 1 ). Given the importance of antimicrobial drugs in combatting infectious disease, the veterinary profession will undoubtedly continue to use antimicrobials to promote animal health. However, given the implications for companion animal veterinary practice and public health, antimicrobial use will ideally become more judicious and specific to minimize AMR. VET Report Vitals focuses on the results of the groundbreaking Banfield Veterinary Emerging Topics (VET) Report™ "Are We Doing Our Part to Prevent Superbugs? Antimicrobial Usage Patterns Among Companion Animal Veterinarians." This report, a collaboration between the NAVC and Banfield Pet Hospital, aims to promote prudent antimicrobial use among companion animal practitioners by providing a baseline of antimicrobial usage data that can contribute to the discussion on how to achieve better concordance with published guidelines. This article examines the issue of AMR within the larger "One Health" context by exploring the implications of AMR for veterinary practitioners, clients, and patients. An upcoming article will discuss effective strategies for improving guideline concordance in daily practice. Molly McAllister, DVM, MPH Banfield Pet Hospital, Portland, Oregon VET REPORT VITALS