WHO has submitted a report based on data from 114 countries, warning about bacterial resistance to antibiotics. The most general panorama obtained to date is offered.
It is titled "Antimicrobial resistance: global report on surveillance", notes that resistance is affecting many different infectious agents, but focuses on antibiotic resistance in seven bacteria responsible for serious common infections, such as septicemia, diarrhea, pneumonia, urinary tract infections or gonorrhea.
The data is very worrying and demonstrates the existence of antibiotic resistance, especially those used as a "last resort", in all regions of the world. The misuse of these medications has contributed to this situation
Now is the WHO report (and see if we already take it seriously); But it is not the first time that we talk about the probability that we will face a 'post-antibiotic' era. What does this mean? Well, that common infections and minor injuries that have been treated effectively for many decades, they would be life threatening again.
Of not taking measures for the prevention of infections, and (very important!) If we do not change the way we produce, prescribe and use antibiotics, these drugs they will lose their function as world public health goods. And the consequences will not be pleasant.
Can you cope with this resistance?
It would be necessary for all countries to have fundamental instruments to deal with antibiotic resistance (monitoring / monitoring systems).
Other important measures are the infection prevention (more hygiene, drinking water, control in health centers, vaccination) in order to reduce the need for antibiotics.
People can contribute to use antibiotics only when prescribed by a doctor, completing the treatment, and not sharing medications or using leftovers from previous treatments. Also taking care of our hygiene, especially of the hands that during the day are in contact with different surfaces.
Among the measures that health professionals must take is the dispensing of the specific antibiotic for each disease, and prescribe them only if necessary
What is happening in Europe?
It is not that I am not interested in what happens in the rest of the world, but as in the report (which I link) is everything, I will focus on our immediate surroundings.
We have one broad resistance of K. pneumoniae to third-generation cephalosporins; and in some places up to 60 percent of S. aureus infections (staphylococcal bacteria that spread by skin-to-skin contact) are resistant to methicillin.
Most EU countries have monitoring systems for these resistances, but in some it is urgent to strengthen or create the systems.
Antibiotic resistance prolongs the duration of diseases and increases the risk of death. For example, it is estimated that people infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus are 64% more likely to die than those infected by non-resistant strains. Resistance also increases the cost of health care, as it extends hospital stays and requires more intensive care
The report, which also contains information on drug resistance to treat other infections, such as HIV / AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis or influenza, It is based on data from 114 countries and it offers the most general panorama that has been obtained to date on drug resistance.
