The recent outbreak of Shigella has brought attention to the growing threat of drug-resistant pathogens, which are becoming increasingly difficult to treat and pose a serious concern for public health. These pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, can cause severe and life-threatening illnesses. The primary drivers behind the rise of drug-resistant pathogens are the overuse and misuse of antimicrobials which can make pathogens resistant to drugs, making them harder to treat.

Additionally, the use of antibiotics in agriculture and livestock has contributed to the rise of drug-resistant pathogens in animals, which can then be transmitted to humans. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), animals, much like humans, harbor bacteria in their gastrointestinal tracts. These bacteria can include antibiotic-resistant pathogens, which can contaminate food through various means.

Drug-resistant pathogens are also becoming more common in healthcare settings and communities. Some of the most common drug-resistant pathogens include Candida auris and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Infections caused by these pathogens are more difficult to treat, leading to longer hospital stays, higher healthcare costs, and even death.

Bordetella pertussis, the causative agent of whooping cough, is another drug-resistant pathogen that is becoming increasingly difficult to treat. It is an opportunistic virulent bacterial pathogen that is resistant to a wide range of antibiotics due to various resistance mechanisms. The increasing number of infections caused by B. pertussis and its resistance to diverse antibiotics underscores the urgent need for alternative strategies to fight against B. pertussis.

One solution to address the growing threat of drug-resistant pathogens is through advanced diagnostic technologies, such as Flow Health's Respiratory Pathogen Panel (RPP). This panel can detect a broad range of respiratory pathogens, including B. pertussis, and is designed to provide rapid and accurate results, allowing healthcare professionals to quickly diagnose and treat patients with respiratory infections. The use of advanced diagnostic technologies, such as the RPP, can help reduce the inappropriate use of antibiotics, which can contribute to the rise of drug-resistant pathogens.

While the use of advanced diagnostic technologies can aid in the fight against drug-resistant pathogens, it is also essential to follow appropriate use of antimicrobials. Antimicrobials should only be prescribed when necessary, and patients should follow all instructions regarding their use. Healthcare professionals should also follow best practices when prescribing, including conducting susceptibility testing and prescribing the most appropriate antimicrobial for the specific infection. Good hygiene practices, such as hand-washing and avoiding close contact with sick individuals, can also reduce the spread of drug-resistant pathogens.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for an increase in research and development of new antimicrobials and alternative treatments to combat drug-resistant infections. However, despite a 2021 WHO review identifying 27 antibiotics in research trials against critical pathogens, such as Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, only a small subset of these antibiotics are considered "innovative" enough to overcome resistance. This highlights the urgent need for continued investment in research and development to address this growing threat to public health.

As the threat of drug-resistant pathogens continues to grow, it is crucial for all stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the general public, to work collaboratively to address this issue and protect public health. By promoting responsible use of antimicrobials, practicing good hygiene, investing in research and development, and leveraging advanced diagnostic technologies like the Flow Health Respiratory Pathogen Panel, we can help ensure that our current treatments remain effective against drug-resistant pathogens.

For more information about our RPP panel, contact cs@flowhealth.com.