2023-12-23 02:00:47
The WHO places the antimicrobial resistance within the 10 main public health threats facing humanity. In fact, it occupies fifth position on the list and the future outlook is uncertain. For this reason, it is necessary to take immediate action.
This endurance It arises when microorganisms (bacteria, viruses or fungi) undergo changes and stop responding to certain medications such as antibiotics. When this happens, the treatment of various diseases becomes more complex.
The impact of the antimicrobial resistance It is so visible that between 1 and 1.5 million deaths were attributed to it in 2022 globally. 3 If this situation continues, it is expected that by 2050 the figure will be 10 million deaths annually.
The most dangerous microorganisms in the world
There are several pathogens which have become quite resistant over the last few decades. Even some of the latest generation medications no longer work and new formulations are now needed. Among the most dangerous are the following.
Helicobacter pylori
Staphylococcus aureus
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Escherichia coli
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Salmonella spp
Dr. Rafael Valdez, senior director of Medical and Scientific Affairs for Anti-infectives at Pfizer Latin America, warns that antimicrobial medications They are essential to protect people’s health; However, its excessive or inappropriate use jeopardizes its effectiveness.
“The fact that new resistant microorganisms are emerging and expanding, both in the region and in the world, threatens the capacities of health systems to cope with common infections and can lead to prolonged illness, disability and even death.”
Antimicrobial resistance and the Covid-19 pandemic
When the Covid-19 pandemic arrived in 2020, the strategies previously proposed and the resources, both human and financial, that contributed to the surveillance and response to this health problem in the region of the Americas, were diverted to care of the emergency.
Additionally, there was an increase in the infections caused by various multi-resistant microorganisms, as well as a greater spread of several superbacteria (strains of bacteria resistant to antibiotics10), which implied longer hospitalizations, higher costs in services and deaths. 9
The burden of the antimicrobial resistance at the level of the health system and of each country is considerable. It affects the fact that the most difficult diseases to treat can spread, from person to person, and that it is necessary to use stronger antibiotics or, on the contrary, the required options for their treatment are not available.
It can also affect the productivity of patients and caregivers and make certain medical procedures (major surgeries) more risky, as well as cancer chemotherapy.
Experts in antimicrobial resistance They agree that it is necessary to face certain challenges soon, including raising awareness among the general population about this global threat and its risks. Likewise, the importance of mobilizing resources for their care, optimizing the relationship between the public and private sectors in search of multisector collaborations and taking greater advantage of technology.
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