The war in Ukraine has brought with it a plethora of challenges, but one of the most pressing issues is the rapid spread of antibiotic-resistant infections.
In fact, over 80% of patients admitted to Feofaniya Hospital in Kyiv have infections caused by microbes that are resistant to antibiotics
. This is a staggering statistic that highlights the severity of the situation.
The Human Cost of Antibiotic Resistance
Take the story of Pte Oleksander Bezverkhny, a 27-year-old soldier who was evacuated to Feofaniya Hospital with severe abdominal injuries and shrapnel wounds.
Despite the best efforts of medical staff, his infections proved to be resistant to commonly-used antibiotics, making his treatment a daunting task. With both legs amputated and multiple antibiotic-resistant infections, Pte Bezverkhny’s chances of survival were slim.
However, thanks to the dedication of his medical team and the use of specialized antibiotics sourced from abroad, he is now on the road to recovery.
The Perfect Storm: War, Infections, and Antibiotic Resistance
So, what’s behind the alarming rise of antibiotic-resistant infections in Ukraine? The answer lies in the perfect storm of war, inadequate medical facilities, and the overuse of antibiotics.
With clinics treating war injuries overwhelmed with patients, medical staff are struggling to keep up with the demand. This has led to a lack of adequate hygiene protocols, resulting in the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Furthermore, the nature of the war means that patients are often transferred between multiple facilities, increasing their exposure to different strains of infection.
Multidrug-resistant bacteria are circulating in #Gaza and #Ukraine. #Superbugs do not respond to #antibiotics and war victims are becoming increasingly difficult to treat! Nieuwsuur spoke to doctors #AMR https://t.co/1TZzFv64vr
— The Global Antibiotics Resistance Foundation (@AntibioticsThe) July 24, 2024
A Global Problem with Local Consequences
Antibiotic resistance is not unique to Ukraine; it’s a global problem that affects us all. In 2021, an estimated 1.4 million people died from antibiotic-resistant infections worldwide.
In the UK, there were 66,730 reported cases of antibiotic-resistant infections in 2023. However, the war in Ukraine has accelerated the spread of multi-resistant pathogens, making it a pressing concern for medical professionals.
The Challenges of Treating Antibiotic-Resistant Infections
Treating antibiotic-resistant infections is a complex task. Doctors must balance the need to save patients’ lives with the risk of prescribing antibiotics that may contribute to the development of new resistant strains.
This is a delicate balancing act, as overusing antibiotics can render them ineffective against future infections. In Pte Bezverkhny’s case, doctors had to use expensive antibiotics sourced from abroad, highlighting the challenges of treating antibiotic-resistant infections.
A Glimmer of Hope
While the situation is dire, there is hope. By understanding the causes of antibiotic resistance and taking steps to prevent its spread, we can work towards reducing the number of antibiotic-resistant infections.
This includes improving hygiene protocols, reducing the overuse of antibiotics, and developing new treatments. As Dr. Andriy Strokan, deputy chief physician at Feofaniya Hospital, notes, “We have to balance our scales.
On the one hand, we must save a patient. On the other – we mustn’t breed new microorganisms that will have antimicrobial resistance.” By striking this balance, we can work towards a future where antibiotic-resistant infections are a rarity, not a reality.