1
Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Saveh University of Medical Sciences, Saveh, Iran.
2
Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran.
10.22034/sumsj.2026.587355.1134
Abstract
Antibiotics have been among the most significant achievements of modern medicine, substantially reducing morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases worldwide. However, the widespread and inappropriate use of these agents has accelerated the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), threatening the effectiveness of existing treatments. Global evidence indicates that AMR has become a major public health challenge, with projections suggesting a substantial increase in mortality and healthcare burden in the coming decades if current trends persist. Recent data reported through the Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS-AMR) highlight concerning levels of resistance among major bacterial pathogens in Iran, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. According to the latest GLASS data from Iran, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) accounted for 92.5% of reported isolates, while carbapenem resistance reached 74.3% in Acinetobacter spp., 67.2% in Escherichia coli, and 64.6% in Klebsiella pneumoniae, indicating a substantial burden of antimicrobial resistance among priority bacterial pathogens. This letter discusses the growing burden of antimicrobial resistance at both global and national levels and emphasizes the critical importance of strengthening surveillance systems, promoting antimicrobial stewardship, updating evidence-based treatment guidelines, and adopting a One Health approach. Coordinated and sustained actions are urgently needed to preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics and mitigate the future impact of antimicrobial resistance. Keyword:Antimicrobial resistance; Antibiotic resistance; Surveillance; Antimicrobial stewardship; One Health.
Hoseinzadeh, E. & Rahimi, R. (2026). Assessing the Status of Antimicrobial Resistance in Iran Using GLASS Data and the Urgent Need for Strengthening the Surveillance Framework. (e254421). Journal of Saveh University of Medical Sciences, (), e254421 https://doi.org/10.22034/sumsj.2026.587355.1134
MLA
Hoseinzadeh, E., & Rahimi, R. "Assessing the Status of Antimicrobial Resistance in Iran Using GLASS Data and the Urgent Need for Strengthening the Surveillance Framework" .e254421 , Journal of Saveh University of Medical Sciences, , 2026, e254421. doi: 10.22034/sumsj.2026.587355.1134
HARVARD
Hoseinzadeh E., Rahimi R. (2026). 'Assessing the Status of Antimicrobial Resistance in Iran Using GLASS Data and the Urgent Need for Strengthening the Surveillance Framework', Journal of Saveh University of Medical Sciences, (), e254421. doi: 10.22034/sumsj.2026.587355.1134
CHICAGO
E. Hoseinzadeh & R. Rahimi, "Assessing the Status of Antimicrobial Resistance in Iran Using GLASS Data and the Urgent Need for Strengthening the Surveillance Framework," Journal of Saveh University of Medical Sciences, (2026): e254421, doi: 10.22034/sumsj.2026.587355.1134
VANCOUVER
Hoseinzadeh E., Rahimi R. Assessing the Status of Antimicrobial Resistance in Iran Using GLASS Data and the Urgent Need for Strengthening the Surveillance Framework. Journal of Saveh University of Medical Sciences. 2026;():e254421 (In Persian). doi: 10.22034/sumsj.2026.587355.1134
