How AGAR fits into the AURA system

AURA is built from several surveillance streams. AGAR is the stream that provides pathogen‑specific AMR data on key bacterial bloodstream infections.

AGAR contributes:

• National AMR trends for key pathogens (MRSA, VRE, ESBL‑producing Escherichia coli, carbapenem‑resistant organisms).

• Bloodstream infection AMR surveillance.

• Standardised laboratory testing — ensuring data is comparable across Australia.

• Early detection of emerging AMR.

AURA then integrates AGAR’s data with:

• NAUSP (hospital antibiotic use)

• NAPS (prescribing quality)

• APAS (passive AMR surveillance)

• CARAlert (critical resistance alerts)

Together, these systems give Australia a complete AMR picture: What antibiotics are used, how they’re prescribed, and how bacteria are responding.

What AGAR provides that other AURA streams cannot

AGAR is unique because it delivers high‑resolution microbiology data, not just usage or prescribing information.

AGAR provides:

• Species‑level data (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecium, Klebsiella pneumoniae)

• AMR data including genotypes

• Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC)

• National trend analysis over decades

This allows AURA to:

• Update national guidelines

• Set AMR priorities

• Inform stewardship programs

• Report to WHO GLASS

Example: How does AGAR data flow into AURA

1. AGAR labs collect isolates from bloodstream infections.

2. They test the isolates using automated susceptibility methods.

3. Results are aggregated nationally.

4. AURA analyses trends (e.g., rising ESBL rates).

5. National guidelines and hospital policies are updated.

Together with AURA, AGAR ensures Australia responds to AMR threats.