Global antibiotic resistance in children rising sharply, study finds
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A global analysis of over 106,000 pediatric infection samples from 82 countries, published in JAMA Pediatrics, found that antibiotic resistance in children has increased sharply from 2004 to 2022. Resistance to last-resort antibiotics classified by the WHO as 'Watch' and 'Reserve' categories rose most rapidly. The study warns that by 2035, resistance to carbapenems could reach 82% for Acinetobacter baumannii and 35% for Klebsiella.
Key Superbugs Identified
The study identified two gram-negative bacteria driving the global spread of antimicrobial resistance. Acinetobacter baumannii, which causes hospital-acquired bloodstream infections and pneumonia, showed the highest resistance levels. Klebsiella, responsible for urinary tract infections and liver abscesses, exhibited the fastest growth in resistance, particularly in Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Western Pacific.
Children at Heightened Risk
Children are especially vulnerable due to high rates of bacterial infections and fewer antibiotic options compared to adults. In 2021, approximately 840,000 deaths among children under five were linked to antimicrobial resistance. Researchers note that treatment becomes increasingly difficult as resistant bacteria emerge and spread.
Policy Recommendations
The study calls for different strategies by income level. Low-income countries need to address unregulated antibiotic use and poor sanitation, while high-income countries must curb overuse in agriculture, veterinary medicine, and healthcare. The authors also urge development of child-friendly antibiotic formulations, clearer dosing guidelines, and funding for research to safely reduce antibiotic use.
What's Next
The research team has launched a new online platform, AMR in Kids, allowing clinicians and policymakers to track resistance by country, bacteria, and antibiotic class. It remains unclear whether governments will implement the recommended measures swiftly enough to avert a projected surge in resistance by 2035.
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Global antibiotic resistance in children rising sharply, study finds
