The World Health Organization (WHO) periodically updates the Bacterial Pathogens Priority List (BPPL) to highlight critical pathogens posing global threats due to their resistance to treatment and their potential to spread resistance to other bacteria.
Key Findings from the Latest BPPL Update
- Pathogen Categories: The latest update categorizes antibiotic-resistant bacteria into critical, high, and medium priority groups for prioritization.
- Major Threats: Gram-negative bacteria resistant to last resort antibiotics and Mycobacterium tuberculosis resistant to Rifampicin are among the identified major threats.
High Burden Pathogens in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
- Salmonella and Shigella: These pathogens, along with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, pose significant burdens in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in healthcare settings.
Impact of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
- Definition: AMR occurs when various microorganisms no longer respond to medicines, leading to increased disease severity and spread, along with higher risks of illness and death.
- Drivers of AMR: The misuse and overuse of antimicrobials significantly contribute to the development of AMR.
Unique Challenges Posed by High Priority Pathogens
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Enterococcus faecium: These pathogens present distinct public health challenges, including persistent infections and resistance to multiple antibiotics.
Significance of the BPPL
- Guiding Investment: The BPPL serves as a crucial tool for mapping the global burden of drug-resistant bacteria and guiding investment in research and public health interventions.
- Addressing Antibiotics Pipeline and Access Crisis: The list helps in addressing the antibiotics pipeline and access crisis by highlighting the urgent need for new treatment options.
Statement from WHO’s Assistant Director-General for Antimicrobial Resistance
Yukiko Nakatani emphasizes the intensifying threat of antimicrobial resistance and underscores the importance of the BPPL in safeguarding the gains of modern medicine.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with Answers:
- What does the Bacterial Pathogens Priority List (BPPL) highlight?
- A) Low-income countries
- B) Threats from viruses
- C) Critical pathogens resistant to treatment
- D) Non-resistant bacteria
- Answer: C) Critical pathogens resistant to treatment
- Which of the following is categorized as a major threat in the latest BPPL update?
- A) Tuberculosis
- B) Common cold virus
- C) Influenza virus
- D) Gram-negative bacteria resistant to last resort antibiotics
- Answer: D) Gram-negative bacteria resistant to last resort antibiotics
- What contributes significantly to the development of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)?
- A) Proper use of antimicrobials
- B) Underuse of antimicrobials
- C) Misuse and overuse of antimicrobials
- D) Use of vaccines
- Answer: C) Misuse and overuse of antimicrobials
- Which pathogens pose significant burdens in low- and middle-income countries according to the article?
- A) Influenza and common cold viruses
- B) Tuberculosis and HIV
- C) Salmonella and Shigella
- D) E. coli and Streptococcus
- Answer: C) Salmonella and Shigella
- What is emphasized by Yukiko Nakatani regarding the significance of the BPPL?
- A) Importance of increasing antibiotic usage
- B) Guiding investment and addressing the antibiotics pipeline and access crisis
- C) Ignoring the threat of antimicrobial resistance
- D) Developing new treatment options is unnecessary
- Answer: B) Guiding investment and addressing the antibiotics pipeline and access crisis