The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control highlights an alarming increase in drug-resistant Enterobacterales infections, urgently calling for enhanced infection control and antibiotic development.
Growing Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has identified a significant rise in carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) infections across the EU/EEA [1]. These hard-to-treat infections are particularly concerning as they are associated with mortality rates ranging from 30% to 80% [5]. The situation is further complicated by the emergence of hypervirulent strains and the transmission of plasmid-mediated carbapenemase genes within healthcare settings [5].
Economic Impact and Future Projections
The growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is projected to have substantial economic implications, with healthcare costs expected to reach $1 trillion USD by 2050 [2]. This projection underscores the World Health Organization’s identification of AMR as a major global health threat, which was responsible for 1.27 million deaths and contributed to 4.95 million deaths in 2019 [2].
Innovative Solutions Through AI
In response to this crisis, researchers are exploring innovative approaches, including artificial intelligence (AI) applications in drug discovery. A notable success in this field is the discovery of halicin, an antibiotic identified through machine learning analysis of the ZINC15 database, containing approximately 1,500 million chemical compounds [2]. The AI-driven approach has also shown promise in precision prescribing, helping to minimize resistance risks [2].
ECDC’s Call for Action
The ECDC is advocating for immediate implementation of enhanced control measures, including improved national coordination, strengthened antimicrobial stewardship programs, and increased surveillance capabilities [5]. The agency emphasizes the need for rapid detection of CRE to prevent further spread [5]. The recent surge in infections underscores the critical importance of developing new antibiotics while preserving the effectiveness of existing ones through careful stewardship [1].