Scientists call for superbug action

Deaths from previously treatable infections will become more common unless there is investment in the science needed to tackle antibiotic resistance Europe’s leading scientists have warned in a new report.

Europe wide investment will be needed to tackle antibiotic resistance in bugs such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

The report, produced by European Academies Science Advisory Council (EASAC), highlights the ever growing problem of antibiotic resistance in pathogens such as MRSA, Clostridium difficile, E-coli and infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, pneumonia and meningitis.
Professor Volker ter Meulen, President of the Leopoldina Academy of Sciences in Germany and Chair the report’s working group, said: “The problem of antibiotic resistance is growing. Our concern is that the European policy makers are not doing enough to stimulate the development of new antibacterial drugs and encourage the sharing of information between member states. This is vital to identify patterns and tackle resistance.”
Scientists from across Europe are calling for the EU and member states to provide greater support for the development of simple and cheap means of identifying specific infections as early as possible and greater support for drug companies who are seeking to develop new treatments. The report also urges greater awareness and monitoring of the problem, more prudent use of antibiotics, more effective containment of the spread of resistance and greater cooperation and coordination across Europe.
Hospital acquired infections are believed to account for 175,000 deaths in Europe each year, many of which are attributable to antibiotic resistance.
Professor Richard Moxon, based at the University of Oxford and a member of the working group, said: “It is crucially important to rebuild European academic capability in microbiology and clinical infectious disease infrastructure. All factors that could lead to antibiotic resistance or be affected by it need to be considered. EU institutions and Government departments in member states responsible for public health, environment, industry and scientific research have to work together to take action to tackle this problem.”