Childhood infections are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics, leaving young patients at risk of severe illnesses. A global study spanning 82 countries has sounded the alarm on the growing threat of antibiotic resistance in children up to 18 years old. The research, led by Australia's Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) and University of Sydney, reviewed over 100,000 infection samples between 2004 and 2022 and found that every region saw an increase in antibiotic resistance during this period.
The youngest and most vulnerable children are being hit the hardest. Those in intensive care units and countries with limited healthcare resources are particularly affected by severe infections such as sepsis and pneumonia, often caused by highly resistant bacteria like Acinetobacter baumannii. According to the study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, these bacteria can exhibit high levels of resistance to antibiotics.
Klebsiella, a common cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children, has also shown rapid increases in antibiotic resistance, particularly in regions such as south-east Asia, eastern Europe, and the western Pacific. Statistical models used by the researchers suggest that the proportion of 'last-line' antibiotics resistant to these bacteria could rise to 82% for Acinetobacter baumannii and 35% for Klebsiella by 2035.
National Health Service (NHS) guidelines highlight the importance of responsible antibiotic use to combat this growing threat. While severe infections are a major concern, even routine conditions like UTIs in children can be affected by increasing resistance. Associate Professor Penelope Bryant from MCRI emphasizes that addressing antimicrobial resistance requires greater focus on child-friendly treatments and clear dosing guidelines.
According to the researchers, one of the key challenges is the lack of clinical trials for antibiotics in children. Pharmaceutical companies often view these developments as less financially lucrative due to the smaller market size compared to adult formulations. To address this gap, Professor Bryant's team has launched a website providing region-specific forecasts and guidance on antibiotic resistance in children up to 2035.