Antimicrobial resistance crisis could get significantly worse over next 25 years

Investigators have projected that the number of lives lost globally as a result of antimicrobial drug-resistant infections could increase up to 70% by 2050.

In a study published in The Lancet, the investigators measured the mortality rates associated with 22 pathogens, 84 pathogen-drug combinations and 11 infectious syndromes across 204 countries and territories between 1994 and 2021. They then developed global forecasts of the antimicrobial resistant burden up to 2050.

The investigators indicated that from 2025 to 2050, countries around the world could experience more than 39 million deaths directly related to antimicrobial resistance — which occurs when pathogens such as bacteria and fungi develop the ability to evade the medications used to eradicate them.

“Evaluating changing trends in [antimicrobial resistance] mortality across time and location is necessary to understand how this important global health threat is developing and prepares us to make informed decisions regarding interventions. Our findings show the importance of infection prevention,” concluded the study authors.

Read more: The Lancet 

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