Millions are dying from antibiotic-resistant infections, study finds
Research shows that more than 1.2 million people died in 2019
Last updated 20th Jan 2022
More than 1.2 million people died in 2019 from antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections, marking more deaths than HIV/Aids or malaria, a new study suggests.
The research indicates antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is now a leading cause of death worldwide, and the number could potentially be much higher.
It shows that many deaths occur due to common, previously treatable infections – such as lower respiratory and bloodstream infections – because the bacteria that cause them have become resistant to treatment.
Study co-author Professor Chris Murray said: "Previous estimates had predicted 10 million annual deaths from antimicrobial resistance by 2050, but we now know for certain that we are already far closer to that figure than we thought.
"We need to leverage this data to course-correct action and drive innovation if we want to stay ahead in the race against antimicrobial resistance."
The paper, which includes an analysis of 204 countries and territories, outlines actions for policymakers that researchers say will help save lives and protect health systems.
According to the analysis, AMR was directly responsible for an estimated 1.27 million deaths worldwide, and associated with an estimated 4.95 million deaths, in 2019.
While HIV/Aids and malaria were estimated to have caused 860,000 and 640,000 deaths respectively in 2019.
The study, published in The Lancet, found that drug resistance in lower respiratory infections – such as pneumonia – had the greatest impact on AMR disease burden.
It caused more than 400,000 deaths and was associated with more than 1.5 million deaths.
Drug resistance in bloodstream infections caused around 370,000 deaths and was associated with nearly 1.5 million deaths.
While drug resistance in intra-abdominal infections – commonly caused by appendicitis – led directly to around 210,000 deaths and was associated with around 800,000.
The data also suggests that young children were at particularly high risk, with around one in five deaths attributable to AMR occurring in children aged under five years.
'There are families and communities behind the numbers'
In high-income countries, AMR led directly to 13 deaths per 100,000 and was associated with 56 deaths per 100,000.
In the Western Europe region, which includes the UK, more than 51,000 people died as a direct result of AMR.
Of the 23 pathogens studied, drug resistance in six alone – including E. coli – led directly to 929,000 deaths and was associated with 3.57 million.
One pathogen-drug combination – methicillin-resistant S. aureus, or MRSA – directly caused more than 100,000 deaths in 2019.
Study co-author Christiane Dolecek said: "Being able to measure AMR, and compare it with other major health threats, is essential to addressing its serious consequences."
Commenting on the need for political action on AMR, UK special envoy on antimicrobial resistance, Dame Sally Davies said: "AMR is already one of the greatest challenges facing humanity.
"Behind these new numbers are families and communities who are tragically bearing the brunt of the silent AMR pandemic.
"We must use this data as a warning signal to spur on action at every level."
The researchers acknowledge a number of limitations to their study, including limited availability of data for some parts of the world.
This study was funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Welcome Trust, and Department of Health and Social Care using UK aid funding managed by the Fleming Fund.