BfR
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Annual Report 2014
64
Antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance in
the perception of the general public
The resistance development of germs to antibiotics is one
of the most discussed health problems in Germany. Live-
stock farming and the increased use of veterinary drugs
that has been observed there are regarded in the public
debate as the main causes of antimicrobial resistance.
From the BfR's risk assessment point of view too, the
use of antibiotics in animal production should be viewed
critically and the husbandry and management of herds
and flocks improved so that the animals remain healthy
and treatment with antibiotics is not necessary. Slaugh-
ter methods should also be further developed in order to
reduce the transfer of germs from animals to foods. The
use of antibiotics in the field of human medicine should
also be viewed critically in some areas as it contributes
towards the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
But what does the general public know about antimicro-
bial resistance, how is it perceived and how do the media
deal with the subject? The BfR investigated these ques-
tions in two perception research projects. In the first, a
media analysis, the BfR examined the print and online me-
dia in the period from January 2008 to December 2013.
In the second, a population survey, the BfR interviewed
1,005 persons aged 14 and over about their knowledge of
and attitudes towards antimicrobial resistance. The project
results serve as a basis for sharpening awareness of the
problem among consumers with the help of specific com-
munication measures.
The population survey showed that a large majority of con-
sumers in Germany are aware of antimicrobial resistance
and that the topic is at the forefront compared to other
consumer topics. 82 % of the respondents stated that they
had already heard of it and 64 % of consumers are con-
cerned about it. Although the problem is known in wide
sections of the population, only a minority of not quite
20 % considers it likely that they will come into contact with
disease pathogens in their own homes. A large majority
of those questioned therefore do not expect to encounter
resistant bacteria at home. It is considerably more likely,
in the view of the respondents, to come in contact with
disease pathogens in hospitals (63 %) or in public places,
such as when using public transport (59 %). With a level
of 90 %, the vast majority of respondents stated that they
know how to protect themselves from disease-causing
bacteria in their own homes. The most common answers
were frequent hand-washing (39 %), observance of hy-
giene (35 %), the use of disinfectants (34 %) and thorough
cleaning (31 %). The cause of the occurrence and spread
of antimicrobial resistance is seen by the majority of re-
spondents (53 %) to be the use of antibiotics in livestock
Causes of Antimicrobial Resistance – the perception of the general public
Base: 834 respondents who have heard of bacteria with antimicrobial resistance; all figures in percent
predefined multiple-choice
What is the main cause of antimicrobial resistance in your opinion?
Don’t know / No answer
Other (incl. poor hygiene)
Natural means
Use of antibiotics in humans
Use of antibiotics in livestock farming
53
24
6
10
8
Source: BfR Consumer Monitor Special Antimicrobial Resistance (2015)
