Antibiotic Resistance Poses Global Threat: 39 Million Deaths Expected Over Next 25 Years

A new study published in The Lancet reveals that antibiotic resistance (AMR) could lead to more than 39 million deaths globally over the next 25 years. This study, conducted by the Global Research on Antimicrobial Resistance (GRAM) Project, provides the first comprehensive global analysis of AMR trends and forecasts future impacts.

Between 1990 and 2021, AMR caused over one million deaths annually. The study projects that by 2050, AMR could directly cause 1.91 million deaths per year, an increase of nearly 70% from 2022. In addition, deaths associated with AMR could rise from 4.71 million to 8.22 million annually.

The research highlights a critical need for comprehensive interventions, including enhanced infection prevention, vaccination programs, reduced inappropriate antibiotic use, and investment in new antibiotic development.

Dr. Mohsen Naghavi, a lead author of the study from the Institute of Health Metrics (IHME), University of Washington, emphasized the growing global threat posed by AMR. He stated, “The findings underscore AMR’s significance as a global health issue and the urgent need for informed decisions to save lives.”

AMR, which occurs when pathogens evolve to resist antimicrobials, has been a longstanding challenge but is anticipated to worsen. The GRAM study also notes that deaths directly due to AMR have increased from 1.06 million in 1990 to 1.14 million in 2021, while deaths involving AMR have risen significantly.

The study forecasts a 67.5% increase in direct AMR deaths by 2050 and a 74.5% rise in deaths associated with AMR. Notably, deaths among children under five are expected to halve by 2050, but the number of AMR-related deaths among individuals aged 70 and older will more than double.

Key findings include a significant rise in deaths from methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and increased resistance to carbapenems among Gram-negative bacteria. The report also projects that AMR could lead to 39 million deaths and be associated with 169 million deaths between 2025 and 2050.

Efforts to mitigate AMR include the establishment of new funding mechanisms and development of vaccines, with the potential to avert millions of deaths if effectively implemented.

Dr. Kevin Ikuta from UCLA and Dr. Stein Emil Vollset from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health stress the need for new strategies, improved healthcare, and better access to antibiotics to combat this growing threat.

While the study provides a sobering outlook, it also underscores the importance of proactive measures and investments to address the AMR crisis and protect global health.

#AntibioticResistance, #AMR, #GlobalHealth, #TheLancetStudy, #InfectionPrevention, #AntimicrobialResistance, #VaccineDevelopment, #HealthData AntibioticResistance #AntimicrobialResistance #AntibioticMedications #AntibioticOveruse #AntibioticStewardship #AntibioticTreatment #AntibioticSideEffects #AntibioticAlternatives #BacterialInfections #AntibioticEfficacy #AntibioticResistanceCrisis #AntimicrobialAgents #AntibioticDrugResistance #AntibioticResistanceSolutions #AntibioticResearch #AntibioticDevelopment