Calay News
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of a “silent pandemic” caused by high levels of antimicrobial resistance, which is leading to life-threatening bloodstream infections and increasing treatment resistance for several common bacterial infections. According to the WHO, antimicrobial resistance is responsible for around five million deaths every year.
Infections caused by deadly pathogens that doctors are not able to cure because of a lack of novel agents are posing a significant threat to public health. The WHO has urged the world to take action to prevent the situation from worsening. The treatment for drug-resistant infections involves newer agents that are more expensive than standard therapies, and as a result, poor people are disproportionately affected by antimicrobial resistance.
Dr. Valeria Gigante and Professor Venkatasubramanian Ramasubramanian, of an online “pre-meeting” of the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases in Copenhagen, Denmark, have presented their findings on the issue. Their research highlights the need for new agents to combat drug-resistant infections as current treatments become ineffective, leading to a higher risk of severe illness and death.
Antimicrobial resistance is a significant concern as it threatens the effectiveness of essential treatments for bacterial infections, including pneumonia, tuberculosis, and sepsis. This resistance can occur naturally or be caused by the misuse of antibiotics in humans and animals, which contributes to the development of drug-resistant bacteria. The WHO has been working with various governments and organizations to promote the responsible use of antibiotics and reduce the overuse of antimicrobials in agriculture.
Antimicrobial resistance is a complex issue that requires a coordinated global response. The WHO has called for increased investment in research and development of new antimicrobial agents and emphasized the importance of effective antibiotic stewardship programs. Furthermore, the WHO has recommended the use of alternative approaches to reduce infections, such as vaccines, and improving sanitation and hygiene practices.
