ESCMID: An Introduction to Antimicrobial Resistance

Course Summary

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most pressing challenges in modern medicine. As resistance continues to rise, treating infections becomes increasingly difficult, and we face the growing threat of losing patients to untreatable diseases. Addressing this global health crisis requires a concerted effort from healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, and society at large.

To support this mission, ESCMID, through its Antimicrobial Action Subcommittee, offers this online distance learning course designed to equip participants with a comprehensive overview of AMR. Modules are designed in tight collaboration between committees, long courses and study groups at ESCMID.

Release day: TBD
Expires on: TBD
Length: 15 hours
Language: English

Intended audience
Learning outcomes
Registration fees
Course coordinator

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Course Structure

Module 1: Introduction to mechanisms of AMR and microbiological detection of resistance

3.5 hours

In this module, participants will be introduced to the fundamental concepts of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The sessions will cover key definitions, the underlying molecular and biochemical mechanisms of resistance, and the laboratory methods used to detect resistant pathogens.

Alongside a basic introduction to the fundamentals of AMR the module will introduce the concept of diagnostic stewardship—how microbiology laboratories can guide and optimize infection diagnostics to improve clinical decision-making and the quality of patient care.

This module covers the following topics on antimicrobial resistance:

An Introduction to antimicrobial resistance
Antibacterials and the most used classes
Antimicrobial resistance
Specific mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance
An Introduction to Diagnostic Stewardship
An Introduction to Laboratory Detection of AMR

By the end of this module, learners would be able to:

Define AMR and its place on the global stage, as well as give an overview of the fields involved.
Identify groups, mechanisms and the general spectrum of the most used antibacterial classes.
Review mechanisms of antibiotic resistance and general bacterial acquisition mechanisms for resistance.
Identify specific mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in a range of bacteria and how some antibiotics overcome resistance.
Describe how diagnostics influence AMR treatment.
Describe the microbiological methods for detecting AMR resistance and how to interpret the tests.

Module 2: Introduction to clinical aspects of AMR

TBD

This module introduces participants to the clinical dimensions of AMR. It explores how resistance impacts patient management, therapeutic choices, and clinical outcomes. Participants will also gain an overview of the principles of antimicrobial pharmacology, the fundamentals of antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention and control practices—key strategies to ensure the effective and responsible use of antimicrobials in clinical practice.

Module 3: Introduction to the One Health approach, surveillance and policy

TBD

This module introduces participants to the clinical dimensions of AMR. It explores how resistance impacts patient management, therapeutic choices, and clinical outcomes. Participants will also gain an overview of the principles of antimicrobial pharmacology, the fundamentals of antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention and control practices—key strategies to ensure the effective and responsible use of antimicrobials in clinical practice.

Module 4: Specific aspects of antimicrobial resistance

TBD

This module focuses on selected and advanced aspects of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) across different pathogen groups. Participants will be introduced to resistance in tuberculosis, parasitic, fungal, and viral infections, gaining insight into their unique mechanisms, clinical implications, and diagnostic challenges.

In addition, the module will explore novel and emerging therapies aimed at overcoming resistance, as well as special clinical considerations such as drug allergies and pregnancy, which influence antimicrobial selection and treatment outcomes.

Intended audience

Researchers, doctors, and anyone involved in infectious disease and clinical microbiology will benefit from this training. No prior knowledge of antimicrobial resistance is required.

Learning outcomes

Across four learning modules, participants will explore the fundamentals of science and practice around antimicrobial resistance. The course covers key topics including:

Fundamentals of microbiology and mechanisms of resistance
Clinical aspects of AMR
Pharmacology
Antimicrobial stewardship
Infection prevention and control (IPC) and surveillance
The One Health approach to AMR

Registration fees

Registration fees include full access to the course.

Course organiser

Course coordinator
Anna Both, AMR subcommittee Education Officer
Institut Pasteur Paris, France

Organisers
ESCMID
ESCMID, AMR subcommittee

Course Instructors
Sections within the course possess individual accreditation to the individual content creators.

Funding acknowledgement

This course is created by professional volunteers, members of ESCMID, its subcommittees and study groups. Any administrative costs are borne by ESCMID.

System requirements

ESCMID OnDemand Courses are run through Brightspace (D2L). A list of their supporter browsers can be found here:

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An Introduction to Antimicrobial Resistance