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The European Centre has released the latest EU figures on antibiotic resistance for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), documenting an remarkable rise carbapenem-resistant infections. As a significant last-line class of antibiotics, carbapenems are used in the treatment of healthcare-associated infections. 

The report highlights an above 5% increase of Klebsiella pneumoniae bloodstream infections resistant to carbapenems in five mostly southern European countries over the years 2009 to 2012.

A previously unmarked concern is the new appearance and growth of the carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter species, which has been reported as higher than 25% in 8 of 18 countries surveyed and heavily restricts options for treatment of patients infected with Acinetobacter.

Along with the EARS-Net annual report the ECDC released survey findings of a self-assessment by national specialists in 38 countries concerning carbapenems-resistant infections in Europe. Conducted by the Netherlands’ University Medical Centre in Groningen on behalf of the ECDC, the report shows the spread of carbapenem-resistant infections being far more extended than reported by EARS-Net.  

The latter only includes the most severe bloodstream infections, however once other infections were also taken into consideration (such as respiratory and urinary tract infections), almost all countries have reported cases to the extent of regional and inter-regional spread, or even an registering an endemic situation.

Experts were additionally requested to assess the availability of national guidance documents for the control of carbapenem-resistant infections. They found that more than 50% of surveyed countries have national guidance documents in use; the majority of these countries having reported outbreaks, a regional spread or an endemic situation.
17 of the 38 total researched countries however, do not have a control guidance for carbapenem-resistant infections in place, with just two countries stating they had guidance to deal with carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter infections.

To raise awareness for the annual European Antibiotic Awareness Day over 40 European countries hold events during the week 18-24 November. The campaign, entitled “Everyone is responsible”, aims at promoting careful use of antibiotics and also takes place in Canada, Australia and the US in cooperation with the ECDC.

The full press release on the Rates of carbapenem-resistant infections continue to increase in Europe can be read on the ECDC website.


18 November 2013

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ECDC, antibiotic resistance, acinetobacter

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ECDC, antibiotic resistance, acinetobacter The European Centre has released the latest EU figures on antibiotic resistance for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), documenting an remarkable rise c...