Brussels, 03/01/2002 (Agence Europe) - The International Forum for Antibiotic Resistance (IFAR), a multi-disciplinary group of world-renowned experts from six continents, including infectious disease specialists, microbiologists, epidemiologists and the International Alliance of Patients Organisations (IAAPO), have published a White Paper on anti-microbial resistance. The two organisations are calling for: the strengthening of global resistance surveillance research; that organisations consider the implications of antibiotic consumption; education measures highlighting the significance of resistance and optimal antibiotic use in the treatment of respiratory infections; greater patient involvement. Professor Roger Finch (Nottingham) presented this document on 15 December in Chicago and effectively called for the resistance to begin right now. A study carried out in 23 countries showed that 40% of Streptococcus pneumonia patients were resistant to penicillin and 28% were resistant to macrolides (a particular form of antibiotics). Doctor Jack Remmington pointed out that, "Resistant bacteria do not recognise national boundaries