Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy

About: Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy is a nonprofit organization based out in Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Antibiotic resistance. The organization has 76 authors who have published 320 publications receiving 21403 citations.

Part I. the Global Antibiotic Resistance Partnership (GARP).

Abstract: The global problem of antimicrobial resistance is particularly pressing in developing countries, where the infectious disease burden is high and cost constrains the replacement of ineffective antibiotics with newer, more expensive ones. Gastro-intestinal, respiratory, sexually transmitted and hospital-acquired infections are leading causes of disease and death in the developing world; their management is compromised by the appearance and spread of resistance. Actions taken now can slow the spread of resistance without impairing access to antibiotics when they are appropriate. These, as well as extending access where it is currently inadequate, are the ultimate aims of the Global Antibiotic Resistance Partnership (GARP).

Impact of Antibiotic Policy on Antibiotic Consumption in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in India.

Abstract: To study the impact of initiating antibiotic policy on antibiotic consumption in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This retrospective study was conducted between January, 2013 and December, 2014 in a 30 bed NICU. The antibiotic policy for neonatal sepsis was initiated on January 1st, 2014. The overall antibiotic consumption (Daily Defined Dose [DDD] per 100 patient-days), one year before and one year after the initiation of antibiotic policy was evaluated using interrupted time-series analysis. There was no significant change (12.47 vs. 11.47 DDD/100 patient-days; P = 0.57) in overall antibiotic consumption. A significant increase in the proportion of patients on first-line agents (ampicillin and gentamicin) (66% (n=449) vs. 84% (n=491); P <0.001) and significant decrease in consumption of third generation cephalosporins (1.45 vs. 0.45 DDD/100 patient-days; P =0.002) was observed. Antibiotic policy increased the use of first-line agents and decreased the consumption of third generation cephalosporins.

Optimizing antimicrobial prescribing: Are clinicians following national trends in methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections rather than local data when treating MRSA wound infections

Abstract: Background Clinicians often prescribe antimicrobials for outpatient wound infections before culture results are known. Local or national MRSA rates may be considered when prescribing antimicrobials. If clinicians prescribe in response to national rather than local MRSA trends, prescribing may be improved by making local data accessible. We aimed to assess the correlation between outpatient trends in antimicrobial prescribing and the prevalence of MRSA wound infections across local and national levels.

The Unintended Effects of a Ban on Sex-Selective Abortion on Infant Mortality: Evidence from India

Abstract: India has long struggled with persistent problems of sex-selective abortions and the neglect of female children. In 1996, the Pre-Natal Diagnostics Techniques Act was implemented to stop the practices of prenatal sex determination and selective abortions. This paper examines whether the law has been effective in reducing gender imbalance, and in turn potentially exacerbated post-natal discrimination against newborn girls. Using retrospective birth history data from the Indian District Level Household Survey (2002–2004), we exploit a natural experiment involving a variation in the timing of the law across states. We analyse the differential impact of the law on newborn sex ratios and infant mortality rates. Our findings indicate that the law significantly increased the likelihood of a female birth, improving female-to-male sex ratios at birth. We also find that it was generally associated with no change in the relative mortality of infant girls.