OBJECTIVES : Resistance is a worldwide problem that has a negative influence on the overall health of the population, the costs of a healthcare system and global GDP. The aim was to assess the burden of bacterial resistance in Russian Federation.

METHODS : The analysis was based on the results of bacteriological studies in general hospitals provided by the Saint Petersburg Medical Information and Analytical Center. The number of patients with infections caused by strains of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) or K. pneumoniae that are insensitive to 3rd generation cephalosporins and carbapenems, or by E. coli insensitive to 3rd generation cephalosporins was calculated on the basis of the data obtained. The data are extrapolated to all general hospitals in the Russian Federation based on known levels of resistance.

RESULTS : The total costs of treating patients with infections caused by the three pathogens in general hospitals in Saint Petersburg the annual costs amounted to 250.887.292 rubles, across the Russian Federation the amount is 12.413.309.939 rubles. This represents approximately one third of budgets for the purchase of all antimicrobial for systemic use in St. Petersburg and the Russian Federation, respectively. The main costs are associated with antimicrobial therapy (90% in Saint Petersburg, 88% in the Russian Federation). The portion of costs associated with length of hospital stay, temporary disability and epidemiological control measures is 10% and 12% respectively. Mathematical modeling has shown that these costs need to be increased by at least 10% to take account of the death of patients of working age.

CONCLUSIONS : The cost of resistance for St.Petersburg and Russian Federation is equal to annual budget of antimicrobials for systemic use for St.Petersburg's hospitals as well as hospitals of Russian Federation.