More and more deaths from dangerous, superb bacteria: you need to know

The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) yesterday published a large-scale survey in the medical journal The Lancet. 75% of people infected with "superb bacteria" are hospitalized.

According to research, some bacteria are already resistant to the most harmful antibiotics. These medications are only given as a last resort, if the rest does not work. This means that some infections can no longer be treated. Jaap van Dissel, director of the RIVM's Center for Infectious Disease Control, explains all you need to know about this bacterium

What is a superb bacterium?

A superb act is not really a correct name, according to Van Dissel. "The name superbugs implies that it's a bacterium with new properties that can make a person faster and more critically ill, but that's not the case: in reality, Bacteria that have become resistant to antibiotics are becoming more and more difficult to treat. "

How does a bacterium become resistant?

Everyone carries bacteria, in the intestines, on the skin, explains Van Dissel. "But because of the use of antibiotics, variants have come armed that have battled against some antibiotics, and these bacteria have become resistant."

In case of infection, such resistant bacteria may be present from the beginning and, using an antibiotic, they have the opportunity to multiply, while those that are susceptible are killed, the professor continues. "Bacteria divide very rapidly, every 20-30 minutes, so that the number of resistant bacteria increases rapidly and that bacteria can exchange these types of resistance mechanisms."

The fact that bacteria are resistant is, on the one hand, a natural process, says Van Dissel. "Bacteria sometimes acquire new properties that offer benefits when they are multiplied." At the same time, it's because antibiotics are prescribed too quickly. "For example with a virus, while antibiotics do not work with viruses, the greater the pressure of antibiotics on bacteria, the greater the risk of resistance."

In 65% of cases, "superbugs" infections can be traced back to the hospital or health facility, according to research. This concerns the vulnerable patients who find it, but also the hygiene and "infection prevention" policy. In other words: what is done to prevent an infection.

Is it bad that more and more bacteria are becoming resistant?

Yes, because in the worst case, bacterial infections can not be treated in the future. "An easy-to-control infection now can lead to serious illness," says Van Dissel

What kind of diseases?

"For example, there are resistant bacteria in the intestines," explains Van Dissel. "These can cause urinary tract infections or blood infections in the ICU. MSRA bacteria, or the hospital bacterium, can do the same." If the most used antibiotics are not working anymore you can become very sick and the burden of illness heals less quickly. "

Can we still go to the hospital with peace of mind?

In the Netherlands, the problem is limited, says Van Dissel. "It's because we've been thinking for a long time about how we can prevent this from the government and the doctors involved, and we're also reluctant to administer antibiotics in the Netherlands." According to the article, it is different in European countries such as Greece, Italy and Romania. The risk of infection with a resistant bacterium is therefore much greater.

"If someone returns from treatment abroad and is treated more thoroughly in the Netherlands, he is still looking for the bacteria that someone wears with him", said Van Dissel. The longer you stay in the foreign hospital, the greater the risk of infection with a superb bacterium.

"If you spend more time in the hospital, you will usually also get antibiotics more often," says the professor of internal medicine. "In addition, there are more medical procedures and when there are infusions, catheters, etc., there is a risk of infection."

Can you die from this type of infection?

Yes, the ECDC study shows that Every year, 33,000 people in Europe die of a "super act". In the Netherlands, an estimated 206 deaths occur each year.

Which groups are most at risk?

"Younger children, as well as premature and elderly people, are at risk," Van Dissel said. "These are people who have more immune problems, that is, reduced resistance and additional medical problems."

What is the solution?

Hygiene is very important, says Van Dissel, and antibiotics should be prescribed less quickly. "It's going pretty well in the Netherlands and the Scandinavian countries, but in many other European countries it can be a lot better, according to the study."