Increases the resistance to the antibiotics used as a last resort against Multiresistant bacteria.

-the ECDC in Stockholm estimated that in Europe more than 25,000 patients die each year by Multiresistant bacteria to antibiotics

-incorrect antibiotic treatment increases the patient’s hospital stay, which is in Europe an estimated more than 1.5 billion euros spending a year

Madrid, November of 2011- the Spanish society of infectious diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC), on the occasion of European day for the prudent use of antibiotics on 18 NovemberIt focuses on the importance of using this type of medication properly, so in this way bacteria become resistant to antibiotics are no longer be effective.

This day, promoted and coordinated by the European Centre for the prevention and the Control of diseases (ECDC) since 2008, it aims to publicize the threat posed to European citizens make improper or incorrect use of antibiotics. Resistance to antibiotics is a public health issue that threatens to those patients who need or will need antibiotics in critical situations for their health.

It is of vital importance that the population make a responsible use of antibiotics and to strictly follow the medical prescription. Take recommended doses, the indicated hours and days laid down by the doctor or the risk of favouring the increase in resistance.

Last line antibiotic resistance

One of the main problems in relation to resistant bacteria is the increase in antibiotic resistance of last line, i.e., those that are considered as the last option available for the treatment of the infection. For this reason, this year the European day for the prudent use of antibiotics is intended raise awareness of this situation, it only seriously treatment options in serious patients infected by Multiresistant bacteria, those resistant to three or more families of antibiotics.

Only antibiotics that can be used in these cases are often older antibiotics that were developed decades ago and whose use was limited due to side effects. Dr. Jesus Oteo, Member of the SEIMC and researcher of the laboratory of antibiotics of the national centre of Microbiology, warns must be aware that the number of new antibiotics research is scarce. If problems of resistance continue at the current pace, we could face a situation similar to the pre-antibiótica era in which there was no appropriate treatment for bacterial infections ”.

For example, the antibiotic carbapenémicos, used as a last possibility of treatment in many infections are one of the most effective families against bacteria such as Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

However, resistance to these antibiotics in k. pneumoniae, a bacteria that causes pneumonia and infections in patients hospitalized in intensive care units and in infants, has experienced a strong increase in some surrounding countries as Greece (from 27.8% in 2005 to 43.5% in 2009), (1) and in Spain major hospital outbreaks caused by this type of bacteria have been detected. In p. aeruginosa bacterium that infects wounds, pulmonary tract, urinary tract and causes infections in the blood, resistance affected 22% of strains in 2010. In Spain, this figure increased from 15.6% in 2006 to 20.6% in 2010.

Importance of prudent use of antibiotics

It is estimated that in Europe more than 25,000 patients die each year by Multiresistant bacteria. Dr. Oteo comments we’re running out of effective antibiotics because of the rapid progression of the resistance, and this progression occurs largely by its misuse. A prudent administration of antibiotics can help stop the development of resistant bacteria and help that they continue to be effective in the future ”.

Treatment with antibiotics inadequate and the delay in the administration of an appropriate treatment in patients with severe infections, is related with a worse clinical evolution and, occasionally, death. In addition, incorrect antibiotic treatment also influences an increase in the patient’s hospital stay. Annual costs for extension of stay and lost productivity for this reason is estimated at more than 1.5 billion euros in Europe.(2)

Spain, among the most affected countries

the most recent data confirm that the number of patients infected by resistant bacteria is growing at an alarming rate in the European Union, and in particular in our country

According to experts from the SEIMC, Escherichia coli, bacteria responsible for extraintestinales and intestinal infections in severe cases, has increased their resistance considerably in recent years in Spain. The multiresistance in this bacterium has doubled over the past decade, from 12 per cent in 2001 to 25% in 2010.i
Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most frequent human pathogens, common cause of infections of skin, soft tissues, surgical infections and pneumonia, among others. 25% Of the total number of blood infections caused by S. aureus in 2010 in Spain produced by Methicillin-resistant bacteria. This figure contrasts with the rates of resistance that occur in other European countries, such as the Netherlands (1.2%) and Norway (0.6%).

About antibiotics

Antibiotics are a type of medicine that can kill bacteria or inhibit their growth and thus to cure infections. Antibiotics do not cure infections caused by viruses, such as the common cold or the flu, are only effective to combat bacterial infections. The correct diagnosis and the decision as to the necessity of antibiotics are the responsibility exclusively of physicians, therefore be always follow the instructions of the doctor and take antibiotics how and when he says so.

It is said that a bacterium has developed resistance when a specific antibiotic loses its ability to eliminate or to stop its growth. Resistant bacteria survive in the presence of the antibiotic and continue to multiply, prolonging the disease and even causing death.

Excessive and inappropriate use of antibiotics accelerates the emergence and spread of resistant bacteria. They can spread and cause infections to others who have not taken any antibiotics. Resistant bacteria could become immune from any known antibiotic.

SEIMC

The Spanish society of infectious diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC) is a scientific society that brings together professionals working in the field of Infectious Pathology, both from a clinical point of view the etiologic diagnosis, treatment and prevention of infectious processes.

The fundamental purpose of the SEIMC is the promote, encourage and disseminate the study and research of infectious diseases, clinical microbiology, in terms of epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and control is concerned, as well as in their interrelations.

Currently with more than 2,360 partners, more than 1,500 correspond to the section of clinical microbiology and about 1,150 to infectious diseases.

(2) source: European Centre for the prevention and the Control of diseases (ECDC)