Superbugs to kill 40 million by 2050

Superbugs may kill almost 40 million people by 2050, a new study by The Lancet assessed. The growing threat of antimicrobial resistance or AMR could mean challenges in treating diseases which could lead to significant mortality.
The study shows that a staggering 70% of deaths could result from infections resistant to medications that could have treated them.
The superbugs crisis is set to intensify due to the misuse of overuse of antibiotics that will make diseases and infections harder to treat.
Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria and fungi develop the ability to evade the medications used to kill them and no longer respond to them.

As per WHO, bacterial AMR was directly responsible for 1.27 million global deaths in 2019 and contributed to 4.95 million deaths. Antimicrobial resistance can make infections more challenging to treat and makes other medical procedures and treatments like surgery, caesarean sections and chemotherapy much riskier.
Antimicrobial resistance could cause US$ 1 trillion additional healthcare costs by 2050, says a World Bank Report.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has flagged 15 priority pathogens that urgently need new treatments, but the development of new antibiotics has slowed dramatically. It could be because the financial incentives for pharmaceutical companies to invest in antibiotic research are weak.

What is driving the rise of superbugs?

Superbugs have seen a massive rise due to the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in humans and animals. This could be happening due to inappropriate prescribing, self-medication, and antibiotics use in animal farming. This may be putting us at risk of a future where common infections could again become fatal.

Who will be most affected by superbugs?

Concerned by the rising trend of superbugs, Dr. Santosh Kumar Aggarwal, Senior Consultant-Internal Medicine, Marengo Asia Hospitals Faridabad, feels the most affected population could be those battling serious conditions like HIV, blood cancers, diabetes, organ transplant, or stem cell transplant as they already have a weakened immune system.
“People who are hospitalised or in long-term healthcare facilities, work in healthcare or agriculture and have eaten contaminated food are more prone to get this infection. Patients can manifest varying symptoms like fever, chills, sores that do not heal, fatigue, diarrhea, swelling, cough, body aches, redness or soreness under the skin,” says Dr Aggarwal.

Here’s ways superbugs can impact the human body:

1. Infectious disease may become untreatable

Many infections that have cure like pneumonia, tuberculosis, urinary tract infections, could become incurable as the superbugs are able to evade effects of antibiotics. Without the proper medications, infections could spread, leading to complications that may even lead to organ failure, sepsis or death. This may mean even minor injuries or infections could turn deadly.

2. Post-surgical infections

Surgery puts one at risk of infections and Dr Askhay Challani, Lead & Sr. Consultant Critical Care and Medical Advisor Apollo Hospitals Navigating, Mumbai, worries that superbugs could render prophylactic antibiotics ineffective. This can raise risk of infections during or after surgery, prolong hospital stays, re-operations, or even death if infections cannot be controlled. Even routine surgeries may turn into high-risk procedures.

3. Cancer treatment issues

Chemotherapy is an important part of cancer treatment, but it often suppresses the immune system, which could put cancer patients at risk of infections. Superbugs in hospitals could make cancer treatment more risky and deadly.

4. Chronic diseases complications could rise

Patients with chronic diseases like diabetes, kidney disease, or lung disease are likely to have a weak immune systems which can again make them susceptible to superbugs and making treatment difficult. A diabetic patient with a resistant bacterial infection may face increased risk of amputation or death if the infection cannot be controlled.

5. Increased spread of drug-resistant pathogens

Superbugs could lead to outbreaks in near future and patients, healthcare workers, and even visitors can become carriers. This can further spread them to their families and communities. The growing number of resistant pathogens could overwhelm public health systems, leading to uncontrollable outbreaks and significant loss of life.

How to protect yourself from superbugs:

– Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
– Handle food properly. Separate raw and cooked food, cook food thoroughly, and use clear water.
– Refrain from getting in touch with people who are ill.
– Get your recommended vaccinations.
– Use antibiotics as directed and only when needed.
– Complete the full treatment course even if you feel better.
– Avoid using leftover prescriptions.
– Refrain from self medicating, particularly with antibiotics. Sometimes taking antibiotics without a doctor’s advice could cause serious consequences.
– Proper infection control should be followed in healthcare settings.
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