The periodic publication of antimicrobial susceptibility patterns profoundly influences the analysis of sample results by providing clinicians with updated data to inform treatment decisions, enabling them to select the most appropriate antimicrobial therapy for patients. Additionally, it aids in monitoring resistance trends over time, guiding laboratory practices to ensure the accuracy of testing procedures, facilitating research and development efforts in combating antimicrobial resistance, and supporting public health surveillance initiatives by identifying emerging resistance patterns and facilitating timely interventions.

I agree with Casey Ann Santiago Sarmiento. I would add that you should always use the latest available tables (CLSI, EUCAST) to interpret your results. They are updated yearly and considerable differences may appear from one year to the next, reflecting the shift in resistance trends.

The periodic publication of antimicrobial susceptibility patterns has significant impacts on sample result analysis and treatment decisions. It guides empirical therapy by informing antibiotic prescribing practices based on local resistance patterns. For confirmed infections, it enables individualized treatment by selecting the most appropriate antibiotics according to pathogen susceptibility profiles. Regular publication aids in monitoring resistance trends, allowing timely interventions to prevent the spread of resistant pathogens. It supports antibiotic stewardship efforts by optimizing prescribing practices and minimizing unnecessary antibiotic use. Additionally, antimicrobial susceptibility data contribute to research on resistance mechanisms and new antimicrobial development.