Title: Increasing Antibiotic Resistance Renders Childhood Infections More Difficult to Treat
In a worrying trend, drugs commonly used to treat infections in children and babies are becoming less effective due to rising rates of antibiotic resistance, according to a study conducted by the University of Sydney. The research reveals that several antibiotics recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) are proving to be less than 50% effective in treating conditions like pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis in children.
Regions in Southeast Asia and the Pacific, including Indonesia and the Philippines, are witnessing the highest impact, leading to unnecessary deaths in children each year. The WHO has already flagged antimicrobial resistance as one of the top 10 global public health threats.
The study’s findings underscore the urgency for updated global antibiotic guidelines that accurately reflect the evolving rates of resistance. Specific antibiotics like ceftriaxone and gentamicin, commonly used to treat sepsis and meningitis in children, have shown alarmingly low effectiveness.
Dr. Phoebe Williams, the lead author of the study, highlights the increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections in children worldwide. She emphasizes the need for research funding to explore new antibiotic treatments specifically designed for children and newborns. As a priority, Dr. Williams is currently investigating the potential of an old antibiotic, fosfomycin, to temporarily address multidrug-resistant urinary tract infections experienced by children.
To ensure children have access to effective antibiotics as soon as possible, Dr. Williams is collaborating with the WHO’s Paediatric Drug Optimization Committee. This partnership aims to expedite the availability and distribution of suitable antibiotics.
Senior author Paul Turner emphasizes the necessity for high-quality laboratory data to effectively monitor the situation and make timely adjustments to treatment guidelines. By staying informed about the rates of antibiotic resistance, healthcare professionals are better equipped to provide effective treatments to children.
As antibiotic resistance continues to rise, it is crucial for healthcare organizations, governments, and researchers to address this global public health concern with urgency. By modifying antibiotic guidelines and supporting innovative research, we can safeguard the health and well-being of children everywhere.
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