Study: We're losing the fight against drug-resistant infections faster we'd thought
Summary
A World Health Organization (WHO) report says that drug-resistant infections are increasing faster than experts previously thought. The report highlights that about 1 in 6 infections worldwide are resistant to antibiotics, with significant concerns in low- and middle-income countries where resistance is highest. This resistance threatens modern medicine's ability to effectively treat infections and perform safe surgeries.Key Facts
- WHO reports that 1 in 6 global infections are resistant to antibiotics as of 2023.
- Nearly 40% of antibiotics for common infections have become less effective over the last five years.
- Antimicrobial resistance causes approximately 1.2 million deaths yearly and contributes to around 5 million deaths according to the WHO.
- Resistance levels are highest in low- and middle-income countries with weaker health systems.
- These countries may have biased data due to inadequate surveillance systems.
- Easier access to antibiotics without prescriptions in some places can lead to misuse and increase resistance.
- In wealthier nations, more effective antibiotics are available when initial treatments fail, but this is not always the case in poorer countries.
- The inability to afford advanced antibiotics can lead to insufficiently treated infections, promoting resistance.
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