Antibiotics... are killing us! New OECD research

Greece and Italy are the two countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) where the problem of antibiotic resistance will cause the highest mortality in the future, according to a new report by the organization. The report predicts that between 2015-2050 there will be 69.774 deaths in our country due to antibiotic-resistant infections. And this is because of the resistant bacteria.

It is already estimated that in Greece the percentage of infections that show more or less resistance to antibiotics, approaches 38% (showing an increase of about 7% between 2005-2015), while it is expected to increase further by another almost 3% by 2030. This percentage is about seven times more than in other countries (Netherlands, Norway, etc.), where resistant infections are about 5%. 

If no effective action is taken and current antimicrobial resistance trends continue, the report estimates that some 2.4 million people could die in Europe, the US, and Australia between 2015-2050. The highest mortality rate is predicted in Italy (18 deaths per 100.000 inhabitants per year), followed by Greece (almost 15 deaths/100.000 people per year). Seven deaths/100.000 people per year are forecast for Cyprus.

The OECD warns that the resistance of pathogens to "third-line" antibiotics, such as carbapenem, is growing at an alarming rate. The only options left in cases of such resistance will be some older antibiotics of lesser effectiveness such as polymyxins (e.g. colistin) or combination therapies. However, the report states that in some countries - including Greece - resistance to polymyxins has already appeared, "with potentially catastrophic consequences", as underlined.

Among others, the report points out that in Greece, as well as in Bulgaria and Turkey, the resistance of the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa to the potent antibiotic carbapenem is expected to increase.

The financial burden is also huge

Regarding the financial burden of health systems due to antimicrobial resistance, the OECD estimates that the highest annual cost will be for Italy 662.000 dollars per 100.000 inhabitants, while the cost for Greece is estimated very high, close to 600.000 dollars per 100.000 people every year.

What measures are proposed?

The OECD estimates that, by taking appropriate measures, such as limiting the reckless use of antibiotics and regular and proper hand cleaning, Greece can save 1.207 lives per year in the coming years. So simple!