Antibiotic resistance poses a worldwide threat to human health: World Health Organisation

Updated

The world's leading medical experts say antibiotic resistance now poses a serious threat to global health.

The World Health Organisation's (WHO) first worldwide report into antimicrobial resistance has found the problem is no longer just a serious prediction for the future, but is happening now.

The report says as well as superbugs in hospitals, everyday infections such as pneumonia and urinary tract infections are becoming harder to treat.

In Australia there are high levels of E. coli resistance to an important and commonly used antibiotic, fluoroquinolones, and widespread resistance to drugs used to treat pneumonia and bloodstream infections.

In some parts of the country, 80 per cent of staph infections cannot be treated with standard antibiotics.

Results cause for high concern

The report makes a clear case that resistance to common bacteria has reached alarming levels in many parts of the world, indicating that several of the available treatment options for common infections are becoming ineffective.

What is antibiotic resistance? Antibiotic or antimicrobial resistance occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites change in ways that render the medications used to cure the infections they cause ineffective.



When the microorganisms become resistant to most antimicrobials, they are often referred to as superbugs.



Source: Antibiotic or antimicrobial resistance occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites change in ways that render the medications used to cure the infections they cause ineffective.When the microorganisms become resistant to most antimicrobials, they are often referred to as superbugs.Source: World Health Organisation

Dr Keiji Fukuda, assistant director-general for health security at the WHO, says a systematic review of the scientific evidence shows that antibiotic resistance has a negative impact on outcomes for patients and healthcare expenditures.

"Generally, surveillance in tuberculosis, malaria and HIV to detect resistance, determine disease burden and monitor public health interventions is better established and experiences from these programs are described in the report, so that lessons learnt can be applied to antibiotic resistance and opportunities for collaboration identified," he said.

The WHO, along with partners across many sectors, is developing a global action plan to mitigate antibiotic resistance.

The report is the beginning of a global effort by the WHO to address drug resistance.

It will involve the development of tools and improved collaboration around the world to track drug resistance, measure its impact, and design solutions.

"Strengthening global surveillance will be a critical aspect of such planning as it is the basis for informing global strategies, monitoring the effectiveness of public health interventions and detecting new trends and threats," the report says.

Professor Peter Collignon from the Australian National University says many of the superbugs are being brought into Australia when people return from holidays.

"It's really important if anyone is having surgery to let their doctors know if they have travelled in the last six to 12 months," he said.

Do you know more? Email investigations@abc.net.au

Topics: medical-research, health, diseases-and-disorders, doctors-and-medical-professionals, vaccines-and-immunity, australia

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