Understanding the Escalation of Antibiotic Resistance

The Growing Threat of Bacterial Infections

Antibiotics have traditionally been the go-to prescription for bacterial infections. However, the increasing resistance of bacteria to these drugs is making them less effective, thereby escalating the danger of bacterial infections. In the first part of a series on antimicrobial resistance, Jenna Ross from Visual Capitalist, in collaboration with the MSCI Sustainability Institute, shed light on the growing resistance of bacteria to antibiotics.

Defining Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotic resistance refers to the evolution of bacteria that renders them immune to the drugs designed to kill them. While this is a natural process to some degree, resulting from genetic changes in pathogens, the primary cause of the increased resistance is the misuse and overuse of drugs. These drugs are used for prevention, control, and treatment of infections in humans, animals, and plants.

Resistance Rates: A Historical Perspective

According to the most recent data, the resistance rates of key antibiotics have surged from approximately 16% in 2001 to 44% in 2020. This means that almost half of all infections are unresponsive to the antibiotics generally used to treat them. Alarmingly, experts predict that some of these key antibiotics, including amoxicillin and cephalexin, which are among the most prescribed drugs in the U.S., will likely become ineffective due to resistance within the next 15 years.

The Consequences of Antibiotic Resistance

The failure of treatments for diseases such as pneumonia or urinary tract infections in some cases due to antibiotic resistance increases the risk of disease and death. Every year, nearly 1.3 million deaths are directly attributable to antibiotic resistance. Moreover, escalating resistance poses investment risks. Companies that do not address antimicrobial resistance may suffer reputational damage. However, the development of new antibiotics and alternative treatments also presents investment opportunities. In the second part of this series, the focus is on the disparity between infection-related deaths and research efforts.

Bottom Line

The rise in antibiotic resistance is a critical global health issue. The misuse and overuse of antibiotics have led to an alarming increase in resistance rates, posing significant health and investment risks. However, this crisis also presents opportunities for the development of new treatments. What are your thoughts on this growing health concern? Do share this article with your friends to raise awareness about this pressing issue. Remember, you can sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6 pm.