(by Nicola Simonetti) Italy holds the grim European record with more than 10.000 deaths a year related to infections from bacteria currently resistant to antibiotics. Almost 5% of hospitalized patients suffer from an infection that cannot be treated with common antibiotics.
The phenomenon of microbial resistance to antibiotics is more and more worrying, especially from us. In the Tuscany region, 32 deaths and 75 patients affected by New Delhi Metallo beta-lactamase occurred in less than a year.
It is not the first time that the new strain of intestinal bacteria (Escherichia Coli and Klebsiella) has been isolated in Italy but it is the first time that so many cases have occurred in such a short time.
The topic of antibiotic resistance, which unfortunately sees, is a highly topical subject
"All of us infectious diseases launch a heartfelt appeal: now that civic education enters schools again, it must also be used for health. It is necessary - says Matteo Bassetti, Clinical Director of Infectious Diseases of the Integrated University Health Service of Udine and new President of SITA - to go back to teaching good hygiene rules, which are the first bulwark to stem the spread of infections by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and good use of antibiotics. The second appeal is addressed to governments and institutions to find solutions to reward pharmaceutical companies that invest in research and development of new antibiotics. Today we are witnessing the 'globalization' of resistant bacteria: these microorganisms move with colonized people and with patients. We are in extreme need of innovative antibiotics ".
Fortunately, good news comes from the research. In the next 5 years, new carbapenemase inhibitors and new antibiotics capable of counteracting NDM and other similar mechanisms will be available.
The measures to be implemented in hospitals and nursing homes remain stringent. But what is needed now is to teach the public good hygiene practice, starting with primary schools with civic education in the health sector:
- frequent and thorough hand washing during the day;
- put your hand or handkerchief in front of your mouth when you sneeze;
- stay at home with the flu;
- appropriate use of antibiotics only on the prescription of the family doctor;
- do not take antibiotics for colds or common flu;
- use antibiotics respecting the dosages and times prescribed by the family doctor;
- always complete the treatment cycle even if you feel better.