Study finds antibiotic resistance rising in children globally
7 reported
A global analysis led by Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and the University of Sydney found that antibiotic resistance in children increased in every region between 2004 and 2022. Researchers analyzed 106,581 infection samples from children up to 18 years old across 82 countries. The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association on Tuesday, found that severe infections such as sepsis and pneumonia are driving the increase, often caused by the bacterium Acinetobacter baumannii. Another bacterium, Klebsiella, a common cause of urinary tract infections and liver abscesses, recorded the fastest increase in resistance, particularly in southeast Asia, eastern Europe, and the western Pacific. Statistical modeling projects resistance to last-line antibiotics will rise substantially by 2035, reaching 82% for Acinetobacter baumannii and 35% for Klebsiella. Babies and children in intensive care, and countries with fewer healthcare resources, are most affected. The researchers launched a website called AMR in Kids to provide region and pathogen-specific forecasts to 2035.
What’s reported
The study analyzed 106,581 infection samples from children up to 18 years old across 82 countries.
Antibiotic resistance increased in every region between 2004 and 2022.
Severe infections such as sepsis and pneumonia are driving the increase, often caused by Acinetobacter baumannii.
Klebsiella recorded the fastest increase in resistance, especially in southeast Asia, eastern Europe, and the western Pacific.
Statistical modeling projects resistance to last-line antibiotics will reach 82% for Acinetobacter baumannii and 35% for Klebsiella by 2035.
Babies and children in intensive care, and countries with fewer healthcare resources, are most affected.
The researchers launched a website called AMR in Kids for region and pathogen-specific forecasts to 2035.
Key figures
Penelope Bryant, paper co-author and associate professor at Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, and one of Harry Booth’s doctors.
Chris Blyth, paediatrician and incoming president of the Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases.
Harry Booth, 13-year-old patient with kidney failure and a kidney transplant.
Eileen Booth, Harry’s mother.
Sources: The Guardian
