The World Health Organization (WHO) has published its updated compilation of priority bacterial pathogens for 2024. This list, of vital importance for global health, includes 15 families of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, classified into three groups. This categorization is intended to streamline the prioritization process and facilitate the development of new treatments aimed at combating the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.
In this article we are going to tell you what the resistant bacteria most dangerous to human health.
antibiotic resistance
Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites develop the ability to resist the effects of drugs that were once effective against them. This phenomenon translates into more severe diseases that are more difficult to treat, increasing the possibility of spread and transmission in the population. This results in higher morbidity and mortality rates. The main cause of this worrying increase in resistance is the excessive and inappropriate use of antimicrobials..
The excessive use of antimicrobials not only affects the most developed countries, but also low- and middle-income countries. The impact of this resistance is especially visible in hospitals and health centres where nosocomial infections are more frequent. For example, Pseudomonas aeruginosa y Staphylococcus aureus They are two of the most dangerous bacteria in these environments due to their ability to resist multiple therapies.
To combat this threat, WHO has updated its list of priority pathogens, integrating new evidence and expert knowledge. This list not only guides the research and development of new antibiotics, but also promotes the international collaboration and innovation in the field.
Classification of priority pathogens
The list of pathogens is divided into three priority groups:
- Critical: This group includes bacteria that are extremely dangerous due to their high resistance to the most advanced antibiotics. Among them is Acinetobacter baumannii, which has been shown to be resistant to carbapenems, a group of last-line antibiotics.
- Height Bacteria that are dangerous in hospital and community settings, such as Enterococcus faecium, vancomycin-resistant.
- Medium: This group includes bacteria that do not show such high levels of resistance, but are still a significant threat to vulnerable populations.
This classification is based on several factors, including the global prevalence of infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria and the implications for public health. The list becomes an essential tool for directing resources towards the development of new antibiotics and improving their accessibility, addressing the challenges that hinder progress in this field.
The development of new antibiotics is crucial to address the threat of antimicrobial resistance. However, this process faces multiple obstacles. These include: high research and development costs, the long time required to test and approve new drugs, and the financial risk involved. In addition, the lack of incentives for pharmaceutical companies to develop new treatments is a major obstacle.
Fostering international collaboration
To overcome these challenges, fostering international collaboration is essential. WHO plays a central role in coordinating global efforts, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and resources between countries and organizations. This cooperation is vital to accelerate the development of new treatments and ensure that they are available worldwide.
In addition to international collaboration, innovation is a key component in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. Research into new classes of antibiotics and alternative therapies needs to be encouraged. Financial incentives and supportive policies can help play a significant role in encouraging pharmaceutical companies and researchers to invest in this critical area. Indeed, several initiatives such as the WHO/DNDi Global R&D Alliance are committed to developing new antibiotics on a non-profit basis.
Antimicrobial resistance has a profound impact on public health. Drug-resistant infections are more difficult to treat, resulting in longer hospital stays, higher medical costs and increased mortality. In addition, resistance can make routine medical treatments, such as surgeries and chemotherapy, riskier due to increased risk of infections.
Surveillance and prevention are essential elements to control the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
List of priority pathogens according to the WHO in 2024
The update of the WHO priority pathogens list for 2024 is an essential step in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. This list provides clear guidance for research and development of new treatments and emphasizes the importance of international collaboration and innovation.
The list includes three levels of priority:
- Critical priority:
- Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
- Enterobacteriaceae resistant to third generation cephalosporins
- Rifampin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- High priority:
- Salmonella Typhi resistant to fluoroquinolones
- Shigella spp. resistant to fluoroquinolones
- Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium
- Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus
- Medium priority:
- Macrolide-resistant group A streptococci
- Macrolide-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Ampicillin-resistant Haemophilus influenzae
This comprehensive approach includes the development of new antibiotics and other measures such as improving hygiene in hospitals and community settings, reducing unnecessary use of antibiotics and establishing robust surveillance programs.
Why do they become resistant?
There are numerous reasons why bacteria become resistant to antibiotics:
- Mutation and natural selection: Bacteria reproduce rapidly, and over generations, some acquire mutations in their DNA. When exposed to antibiotics, bacteria with resistant mutations survive, while sensitive ones die. Over time, these mutations accumulate, creating resistant strains.
- Gene transfer: Bacteria can also transfer resistance genes to each other, which happens when one bacterium captures DNA from another. If a resistant bacterium transfers its genetic material to a sensitive one, the second bacterium also becomes resistant.
- Inappropriate use of antibiotics: Self-medication and incomplete treatments accelerate the process. Bacteria adapt, developing a multi-resistant “super shield” that can repel several drugs simultaneously.
Antimicrobial resistance represents a growing challenge for modern medicine. Understanding the causes and improving surveillance can help mitigate the devastating effects of bacterial resistance.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about the most dangerous resistant bacteria for human health and the importance of acting immediately against this global problem.