Antimicrobial Resistance

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites evolve to resist the effects of medications, making infections harder to treat. While genetic changes in pathogens happen naturally, the misuse and overuse of antimicrobial drugs have significantly accelerated AMR, leading to the emergence of "superbugs"—pathogens that are resistant to multiple drugs. This makes AMR one of the most urgent public health threats. Infections that were once easily treatable are now more difficult and costly to manage, leading to complications in surgeries, cancer therapies, and other medical procedures that rely on effective antimicrobial treatments. The rise of drug-resistant pathogens limits our ability to treat infections, turning simple illnesses into potentially fatal conditions.

Global Impact of Antimicrobial Resistance: Key Stats

Murray, Christopher J L et al.

• In 2019, bacterial AMR was linked to nearly 5 million deaths
• The highest death rates from AMR occurred in western sub-Saharan Africa, while Australasia had the lowest rates.
• Lower respiratory infections caused over 1.5 million AMR-related deaths, making it the most significant burden.
• Six leading pathogens, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, were responsible for the majority of deaths.
• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) alone caused over 100,000 AMR-related deaths.

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