Antibiotic Resistance: Over 9500 Deaths in Germany Due to Resistant Bacteria

According to glavcom.ua: According to a new study by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) and the University of Washington, antibiotic-resistant bacteria are becoming an increasingly serious threat in Germany. In 2019, approximately 45.7 thousand people died from infections caused by treatment-resistant pathogens in the country. This was reported by 'Glavcom' citing Bild.

Scientists clarify that approximately 9600 of these deaths were directly caused by antibiotic resistance.

If the patients had been infected with the same pathogen but without resistance, they would likely have survived

, researchers noted. Bloodstream infections, as well as respiratory and abdominal infections, most often led to fatal outcomes.

Researchers emphasize that the main cause of this problem is the excessive and inappropriate use of antibiotics, which creates conditions for the survival and spread of resistant strains of bacteria. The RKI emphasizes that 'the key to reducing antibiotic resistance is targeted and correct use of antibiotics.'

Fighting the Problem in Ukraine

Globally, the situation is also alarming. According to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), about 1.14 million people died from infections with resistant bacteria in 2021. Earlier, biological sciences candidate and senior research fellow at the Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Olena Moshynets, explained where antibiotic resistance in Ukrainians comes from. Ukrainian scientists have begun implementing the Sure-AMR project aimed at creating an expert center focused on combating antibiotic resistance.

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are becoming an increasing problem not only for German society but for the entire world. The excessive use of antibiotics contributes to the spread of resistant forms of infections, which can lead to fatal outcomes. This problem requires immediate action at both international and national levels to preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics and the health of citizens.