Enhanced Bacteraemia (Bloodstream infections) Surveillance in Ireland

Data on bacteraemia caused by selected pathogens is currently collected as part of the European Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (EARS-NET). EARS-NET was enhanced in Ireland to collect demographic, risk factor and clinical data for each EARS-NET isolate reported since 2004. The enhanced programme involves voluntary participation by hospitals that provide data on invasive pathogens causing bloodstream infections. **Purpose:** To provide epidemiological insights into antimicrobial resistance data from key pathogens in order to inform infection prevention and control teams and other policy decision makers. **Coverage:** Voluntary participation (22 laboratories regularly participate accounting for 45% of EARS-Net isolates). Data are collected quarterly.