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A groundbreaking study published in PLOS Medicine sheds light on the correlation between age, sex, and location with the likelihood of developing antibiotic-resistant bloodstream infections. Led by Gwenan Knight of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK, the research provides valuable insights into antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a pressing global health threat.
The study, conducted between 2015 and 2019 across 29 European countries, analyzed data from routine surveillance on bloodstream infections in nearly one million individuals. By examining bacterial species isolated from patients and the corresponding antibiotic treatments, the researchers uncovered distinct patterns in resistance prevalence linked to age and sex.
Throughout Europe, resistance prevalence exhibited notable variations across different age groups, with peaks observed at both the youngest and oldest ages for most bacterial species. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections showed an increasing trend with age, whereas resistance to aminopenicillin in Escherichia coli declined with age. Intriguingly, resistance profiles for certain bacteria peaked during middle age, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa demonstrating the highest resistance rates around 30 years of age. Additionally, bloodstream infections caused by E. coli peaked between ages 15 and 40, particularly among women.
One of the study’s key findings was the higher risk of antimicrobial resistance among men compared to women, indicating sex-specific differences in resistance prevalence. The researchers underscored the importance of considering these variations in designing interventions to combat antimicrobial resistance effectively.
“These findings underscore important gaps in our understanding of antimicrobial resistance epidemiology, which cannot be fully explained by known patterns of antibiotic exposure and healthcare contact,” the authors emphasized. They emphasized the need for comprehensive data from diverse sources to elucidate the underlying factors driving resistance patterns globally and to inform targeted strategies for mitigating the growing threat of AMR.
As the world grapples with the escalating challenge of antimicrobial resistance, studies like this serve as crucial milestones in unraveling the complexities of resistance dynamics. By unraveling the intricate interplay between age, sex, and resistance prevalence, researchers are paving the way for more effective interventions to safeguard public health against the rising tide of antibiotic-resistant infections.
