STI surge in Europe signals broader drug-resistant infection spread, expert warns
8 reported
A surge in sexually transmitted infections in Europe should be seen as an early warning sign for the global spread of drug-resistant bacteria, according to an article in The Guardian. The piece argues that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is no longer confined to hospitals but is circulating within communities and across borders, facilitated by modern travel and urban density. It highlights an unprecedented spike in drug-resistant gonorrhoea cases, with 82 million new gonorrhoea infections globally in 2020, the majority in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Extensively drug-resistant gonorrhoea strains detected in Cambodia have spread to France and Australia. The article notes that one in six bacterial infections is now resistant to first-line antibiotics, and there are nearly 5 million AMR-related deaths each year, a figure expected to rise by 70% by 2050. It calls for a new model for antibiotic development, citing the not-for-profit development of zoliflodacin for multidrug-resistant gonorrhoea as an example.
What’s reported
The article reports an unprecedented spike in drug-resistant gonorrhoea infections.
There were 82 million new gonorrhoea cases globally in 2020, most in LMICs.
Extensively drug-resistant gonorrhoea strains detected in Cambodia have spread to France and Australia.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae has developed resistance to most antibiotics, with only ceftriaxone remaining as a last recommended antibiotic.
One in six bacterial infections is now resistant to first-line antibiotics.
There are nearly 5 million AMR-related deaths each year, expected to rise by 70% by 2050.
The article states that drug-resistant infections such as MRSA acquired in everyday environments are becoming more common.
Zoliflodacin, a first-in-class antibiotic for multidrug-resistant gonorrhoea, was developed using a not-for-profit model by the Global Antibiotic Research & Development Partnership.
Key figures
Peter Beyer (author of the article, identified as a global development commentator)
Sources: The Guardian
