Antibiotic resistance among the most common bacteria remains high in the Old Continent.
It is estimated that every year in Europe over 35,000 people die from infections caused by antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, and 12,000 of these deaths are recorded in Italy.
Antimicrobial resistance in common foodborne bacteria remains high
A high percentage of Campylobacter and Salmonella from both humans and food-producing animals continue to exhibit resistance to ciprofloxacin , an important antimicrobial used to treat serious human infections. While ciprofloxacin resistance in Salmonella from food-producing animals has been consistently high, resistance in human Salmonella infections has increased in recent years.This trend is worrying as ciprofloxacin resistance limits the effectiveness of available therapeutic options.
Resistance in Campylobacter is now so widespread in Europe that ciprofloxacin is no longer recommended for the treatment of human infections. To preserve its continued effectiveness in human medicine, restrictions have been placed on its use in animals.
Across Europe, a high percentage of Salmonella and Campylobacter from both humans and food-producing animals also show resistance to commonly used antimicrobials, including ampicillin, tetracyclines, and sulphonamides.
Furthermore, the detection of carbapenemase-producing E. coli in food-producing animals and meat in several countries warrants close attention. Carbapenems are antimicrobials of last resort for humans and are not authorized for use in food-producing animals. The number of reported detections is increasing, and their sources require further investigation.
Despite the current causes for concern, there are also encouraging signs.
Although a high percentage of Salmonella and Campylobacter from humans and food-producing animals remain resistant to their common antimicrobials, several countries have reported a decline in resistance to specific antimicrobials over time, demonstrating that targeted efforts can make a difference.For Salmonella, resistance of bacteria present in humans to ampicillin and tetracyclines has decreased significantly over the last ten years in 19 and 14 countries respectively .
Positive trends have also been identified in food-producing animals at European level, with a decrease in resistance to tetracyclines in broilers and to ampicillin and tetracyclines in turkeys.
Regarding Campylobacter , resistance to erythromycin, a first-line treatment for Campylobacter infections in humans, has decreased in several countries over the past decade, both in humans and in some food-producing animals.
Furthermore, combined resistance to critically important antimicrobials, i.e. resistance to more than one of these antimicrobials at the same time, remains generally low in Salmonella, Campylobacter and E. coli.
Finally, previous improvements have slowed in some areas, particularly in E. coli, where levels of resistance to some substances in poultry have stabilized rather than continuing to decline.
However, some countries have succeeded in reducing antimicrobial resistance in food-producing animals, contributing to an overall improvement at EU level.
Why it is essential to continue action against antimicrobial resistance
Antimicrobial resistance affects everyone. When bacteria become resistant to antimicrobials, infections are more difficult to treat and treatment options become limited.Resistance patterns vary greatly between countries , bacteria, and antimicrobials, reflecting differences in antimicrobial use patterns, as well as husbandry practices, animal health measures, and infection prevention strategies.
These findings highlight the importance of a One Health approach , which recognizes the close links between human health, animal health and food production.
Despite progress made in some areas, the responsible use of antimicrobials across all sectors, combined with effective infection prevention, animal health, and food safety practices, remains essential to slow the emergence and spread of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and protect public health in Europe. (Source: https://www.efsa.europa.eu/)