Rates of drug-resistant bloodstream infections are projected to rise across Europe through 2030, driven in part by an aging population, according to a new study published in PLOS Medicine on November 4. Researchers analyzed over 12.8 million blood tests from 29 countries and found that older adults—especially those aged 74 and above—will be disproportionately affected.
The study revealed wide variation in projected increases depending on age, gender, and bacterial strain, with some infections expected to climb by more than 60%. Men are predicted to face higher infection rates than women for most of the bacteria studied.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which renders antibiotics ineffective against evolving pathogens, already causes around one million deaths globally each year. The researchers emphasized that understanding demographic risk factors is essential for shaping targeted public health strategies. While global health officials aim to reduce antibiotic resistance by 10% by 2030, the study suggests that goal may only be achievable for two-thirds of bacteria-antibiotic combinations.
Antibiotic resistance is making common infections harder to treat and potentially life-threatening. As bacteria adapt to survive existing medications, researchers are working urgently to find new ways to stop these invisible threats.
But what, exactly, is this crisis that humans are facing? And what is being done to stop it? Click through the following gallery to find out.