In the context of a global pandemic that has shocked the whole world, with the health crisis caused by COVID-19 that has dominated the last years, another silent but equally dangerous threat emerges: the bacterial pandemic. It is not a virus, but an increasing resistance to antibiotics which, if not addressed urgently, could become the leading cause of death worldwide by 2050. Already today, in Italy, the abuse of antibiotics and the spread of superbacteria causing serious infections cause about 11,000 deaths per year, with the global figure reaching a million deaths per year. These numbers, though disturbing, are bound to grow without remedial action.
The antibiotic resistance crisis: a global problem
The phenomenon of antibiotic resistance is the result of an ill-considered use of antibiotics, not only in medicine but also in agriculture and intensive livestock farming. The paradox behind the abuse of these drugs is that the more they are used, the more bacteria develop resistance, creating super bacteria that no longer respond to traditional treatments. The problem is that bacteria adapt, mutate and survive, turning into new forms of resistant pathogens.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), antibiotic resistance could become the leading cause of death in 2050, surpassing diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. This forecast, which may seem distant, is based on a growing trend where antibiotic resistance not only increases the number of deaths but also the difficulties in treating common infections that could become incurable.
In Italy, according to data from the ECDC (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control), 2022 saw 430,000 admissions for infections contracted during hospital stay due to superbacteria, representing 8.2% of the total, a figure well above the EU average (6.5%). In addition, Italy is also one of the European countries with the highest rate of antibiotic use, with 44.7% of patients receiving antibiotics, compared to an EU average of 33.7%.
The crucial role of past abuse and the creation of superbacteria
The main cause of this emergency is the massive use of antibiotics in the past, which has encouraged the emergence of superbacteria, bacteria that are not only resistant to antibiotics but also more aggressive. The result is a “perfect storm” in which traditional medicine risks losing one of its most important tools: the ability to fight common bacterial infections. This scenario puts at risk not only public health but also the effectiveness of surgery, treatment of chronic diseases and recovery from wounds and interventions.
The superbacteria responsible for these resistant infections include bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These bacteria are able to develop resistance to several classes of antibiotics, including penicillins, cephalosporins and carbapenems, thus increasing the risk of systemic infections, complications and deaths.
The race against time: new antibiotics and coping strategies
The global challenge now is to develop new antibiotics to counter the emergence of superbacteria. Scientific research is trying to respond to this emergency by investing in innovative technologies. For example, the US recently committed $115 million to research projects focusing on using artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate the discovery of new antibacterial drugs. AI could identify new chemical compounds much faster than traditional research, giving a crucial advantage in the fight against antibiotic resistance.
In Italy, the government has implemented a series of measures to stimulate research and development of new antibiotics. Of these, €40 million was allocated last year to support research projects on innovative antibiotics, and €21 million over the next three years to support the global partnershipX, which funds the development of new antibacterial treatments. The aim is to stimulate innovation and attract investment in the sector.
Italy on the front line: urgent need to change prescribing habits
Italy is one of the countries with the highest consumption of antibiotics, one of the main causes of antibiotic resistance. According to the WHO, abuse of antibiotics in hospitals and outpatient prescriptions is fueling the emergence of resistance, and this is particularly evident in children, with about 40% of Italian children receiving at least one prescription of antibiotics per year. Stricter regulation and increased awareness of the proper use of antibiotics are necessary measures to reverse this trend.
In addition to research incentives, the Italian budget includes incentives for innovative drugs, with the aim of making new antibiotics economically viable. Part of the existing funds for “innovative oncology and non-oncology drugs” will be allocated to new antibiotics, with €100 million which could give a major boost to the production and distribution of antibiotics that can counter superbacteria.
A future at risk: the global plan against antibiotic resistance
Despite global efforts, the future of medicine is threatened by growing drug resistance. Bacterial pandemics are a threat that cannot be underestimated, and the race against time to develop new antibiotics has become a global health priority. International cooperation and the adoption of integrated strategies are essential to stop this threat, which could, if not controlled, cancel out the progress of modern medicine. If not addressed, the antibiotic resistance phenomenon could turn into a silent pandemic capable of making more victims than the same COVID-19.
In this context, it is essential that governments, health institutions and researchers join forces to develop new therapeutic solutions and raise public awareness of the importance of a conscious use of antibiotics. The fight against superbacteria has begun, but to win this war an immediate and effective global mobilization is needed.
