Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Experts warn antibiotic-proof bacteria threaten global health
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
More Yahoo! Services
Account Options
New User? Sign Up
Sign In
Help
Yahoo! Search
web search
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Experts warn antibiotic-proof bacteria threaten global health
AFP - Thursday, November 19
Send
IM Story
Print
A patient wears a mask in a waiting room of a hospital in August 2009. Resistance to antibiotics is increasing in Europe and throughout the world because of their excessive use, a deadly and costly curse according to health experts meeting in Stockholm Wednesday.
STOCKHOLM (AFP) - – Resistance to antibiotics is increasing in Europe and throughout the world because of their excessive use, a deadly and costly curse according to health experts meeting in Stockholm Wednesday.
Experts at the 2nd annual European antibiotics awareness day held by the Stockholm-based European Centre for Diseases Prevention and Control (ECDC) said new, hyper-resistant bacteria were emerging, threatening the pillars of global health.
"Some bacteria are becoming resistant to all treatments, forcing us to use older, toxic antibiotics or combinations of drugs that we are only familiar with on paper," Dominique Monnet, a ECDC specialist on the issue told AFP.
The ECDC stressed the situation is particularly worrisome in southern and eastern Europe where antibiotics consumption is higher than elsewhere.
"We are getting closer to the wall and we are not far from it," Monnet said.
A survey he performed with a colleague on about 100 European intensive care physicians showed that more than half of them had treated, in the last six months, at least one patient infected with a bacterium totally or almost totally resistant to antibiotics.
"Without effective antibiotics, modern medical treatments such as operations, transplants and intensive care will become impossible," stressed ECDC's director, Zsuzsanna Jakab.
Premature children, reanimation services and oncology departments are particularly in need of efficient antibiotics, she said.
"The pillars of our system based on antibiotics are crumbling," Otto Cars, a professor at Uppsala University and Swedish expert on the matter said.
The ECDC estimated at 25,000 the number of deaths annually in the European Union caused by bacteria resistant to antibiotics, more than half the number of deaths caused by car accidents.
Hyper-resistant bacteria also cost Europe 1.5 billion euros a year, 930 million of which are paid by hospitals.
And the continent is not the only one affected by the scourge.
The bacteria kill tens of thousands of patients in the United States, according to official figures.
Experts suspect the situation could be even worse in poor countries, where antibiotics circulate more freely and are often available without a prescription.
In Europe, Mediterranean and eastern European countries are the most affected, whereas hyper-resistant bacteria is less of a problem in the Netherlands and Nordic countries because antibiotic consumption is not as high as elsewhere.
Last year, nine European countries including Italy, Spain and Portugal had E.coli infection rates higher than 25 percent, compared to two percent in 2003.
E.Coli is one of the most common resistant bacterium.
Experts lauded awareness campaigns on the use of antibiotics put in place by governments in France, Britain, Belgium, Sweden and elsewhere.
They pointed out that infection rates with the methicillin-resistant golden staph bacteria had decreased in many European countries since 2003, an example of these campaign's results.
"There is cause to be optimistic," Monnet said, nevertheless calling for awareness because "a bacterium can evolve in 20 to 30 minutes."
Experts warned that one of the biggest problems in fighting hyper-resistant bacteria is that few new antibiotics are being developed by the profit-conscious pharmaceutical industry.
Swedish expert Otto Cars stressed only two truly promising antibiotics were currently being developed.
Recommend
Send
IM Story
Print
News Search
Top Stories
JP Morgan to take over Cazenove: report
Model Helena Christensen examines climate change in Peru
N.Korea nuke talks top Obama agenda in Seoul
Experts warn antibiotic-proof bacteria threaten global health
'Too big to fail' must be tackled swiftly: central banker
More Top Stories »
Most Popular
Most Viewed
US anger at new age rules for breast cancer tests
14,700 declare foreign accounts under US tax amnesty
Sarah Palin pushes book - and possible comeback
Mystery of Bangladesh's mass arsenic poisoning solved
Stamp out bank secrecy, corruption watchdog says
More Most Viewed »
More Most Recommended »
Elsewhere on Yahoo!
Financial news on Yahoo! Finance
Stars and latest movies
Best travel destinations
More on Yahoo! News
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Subscribe to our news feeds
Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS
» More news feeds | What are news feeds?
Also on Yahoo
Answers
Groups
Mail
Messenger
Mobile
Travel
Finance
Movies
Sports
Games
» All Yahoo! Services
Site Highlights
Singapore
Full Coverage
Most Popular
Asia Entertainment
Photos
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Terms of Service |
Privacy Policy |
Community |
Intellectual Property Rights Policy |
Help
Other News on Thursday, 19 November 2009 Iran rejects UN-drafted nuclear fuel deal
EU-Russia summit sees climate progress but human rights row
Probe launched into British T-Mobile data breach
Chocolate war looms as Hershey, Ferrero mull Cadbury bid
Israel rebuffs criticism on settlements
British PM unveils final plans before election
Ferrero says mulling options on Cadbury offer
EU mishandled Intel case: ombudsman
Iraq vote in doubt after VP vetoes election law
EMI music videos, concerts coming to Hulu.com
Mislabelling drives skate to brink of extinction
US-TECH Summary
Israel, Hamas wary on talk prisoner swap imminent
| International
|
Iran rejects sending uranium abroad
| International
|
Iraq vote faces likely delay
Iran rejects UN-proposed nuclear deal
Cattle raid kills 47 in south Sudan, says official
U.N. rights experts call for proper toilets in prisons
| International
|
Israel settlement building 'very dangerous': Obama
Cuba's Raul Castro kept up Fidel's repression: report
| International
|
Iraq VP vetoes vote law, poll date in doubt
Obama: Aim is to put US on path to end Afghan war
Afghan capital tightens security for inauguration
Call of Duty game sells $550 million in five days
| Technology
|
Bangladesh tightens security ahead of verdict
Weak home building a drag on economic recovery
Military can reassign Gitmo detainee's lawyers
Clinton urges Afghan leader to institute reforms
Obama warns of a 'double dip' recession
Court upholds seizure of kids from Alamo compound
Clinton urges Afghan leader to institute reform
Fla. man convicted in terror plot gets 6 years
Mo. teen to be tried as adult in death of girl, 9
Clinton arrives in Kabul for Karzai inauguration
Somali pirates attack Maersk-Alabama for second time
Biochemical scare at Tokyo metro
A look at the 2010 BMW 650i Convertible
Obama confident in conviction of Sept. 11 suspect
Union ramps up efforts to organize T-Mobile
2010 BMW 650i convertible is a grand tourer
Obama criticizes new Israeli move on settlements
AP Poll: Public favors gov't health plan
Cage uncuffs inner bad cop for `Bad Lieutenant'
Global crisis a wake-up call for China, Asia: Stephen Roach
Malaysia says US will abandon trade pact negotiations
Malaysia must reform to achieve developed status: World Bank
Wen says China doesn't seek trade surplus with US
Delta, SkyTeam offer $1 billion to Japan Airlines
Johnny Depp named People's sexiest man alive
| Entertainment
|
Composer Lloyd Webber in hospital after cancer op
Holy Grail of Michael Jackson memorabilia up for sale
| Entertainment
|
City of Light promotes Paris By Night
Asylum seekers leave Australian ship
Roger Moore wins award for anti-foie gras campaign
Composer Lloyd Webber in hospital after cancer op
| Entertainment
|
Nigeria struggles to curb rise in child beggars
A Minute With: Metro Station on tour with Miley Cyrus
| Entertainment
|
Movie reveals tragedy, ambition of Brazil's Lula
Roger Moore wins award for anti-foie gras campaign
| Entertainment
|
Johnny Depp named People's "sexiest man alive"
Cleopatra in the wings, ETO takes opera to people
| Entertainment
|
'Uncharted 2' leads Video Game Award nominations
Nicolas Cage visits Kenyan jail
Ian Somerhalder juggles 'Vampire Diaries,' 'Lost'
Lloyd Webber re-hospitalized after cancer surgery
Obama warns Iran over nuclear standoff
EU leaders split over president going into summit
US-TECH Summary
Afghan Presiden Hamid Karzai sworn in
| International
|
JP Morgan to take over Cazenove: report
Model Helena Christensen examines climate change in Peru
Karzai to be sworn in for second term
California sets new energy standards on TV sets
Obama warns Iran of consequences over nuclear standoff
| International
|
Brazil court backs Battisti extradition, but Lula has final say
Webby Awards name top 10 Internet moments of the decade
Iran rejects talk of sanctions over nuclear fuel deal
North Korea maneuvers to evade U.N. sanctions: experts
| International
|
Susan Sarandon, Cyndi Lauper Urge Zimbabwe Government To End Violence Against Women
N.Korea nuke talks top Obama agenda in Seoul
Dan Rather Returning To Afghanistan For HDNet
Canada ignored Afghan torture allegations: diplomat
China puts dissident from U.S. on trial after Obama leaves
| International
|
Experts warn antibiotic-proof bacteria threaten global health
eBay founder launching online Hawaii news service
Israeli air strikes wound three in Gaza
Rejecting Obama, U.S. Jews push West Bank settlement
| International
|
'Too big to fail' must be tackled swiftly: central banker
Karzai to be sworn in as US presses for reform
Plagiarism Suit Against Elisabeth Hasselbeck Dismissed
Internet still under US grip: forum delegates
Canada turned blind eye to Afghan abuses: diplomat
| International
|
China says scrap UN Internet governance forum
AEG Reportedly Not Paying Michael Jackson's Doctor For His Services
Suicide bomber kills at least 15 in Pakistan
| International
|
Iran rejects deal on sending uranium abroad
MTV's Ken Ober Dies At 52
Ex-Girlfriend Granted TRO Against "Weird Science" Actor Michael Anthony Hall
Rejecting Obama, U.S. Jews push West Bank settlement
Lead US disaster agency reaches out electronically
Israeli air strikes wound three in Gaza: Hamas
| International
|
Tila Tequila Sues NFL Player Ex-Boyfriend For Alleged Assault
Economic slump no excuse to erode rights: Amnesty
| International
|
State pressure affecting Internet social networks: forum
Iraq VP vetoes election law
Farrah Fawcet Left Ryan O'Neal Out Of Her Will
Hackers hit Latvian president's site on independence day
Nicole Richie Granted Permanent Restraining Order Against 2 Paparazzi
Janet Jackson Thinks Dr. Conrad Murray Is Responsible For Michael's Death
Sony says e-readers in demand, shipments delayed
US envoy to visit North Korea on December 8
Lithuanian horse club was CIA 'black site': report
Afghan minister accused of major bribery: report
Tour bus crashes off Minn. interstate, killing 2
Fourth charge over Thai king health rumours
Emergency landing in Kan. after plane loses engine
Obama, South Korea's Lee urge North to end provocation
Sony says e-readers in demand, shipments delayed
| Technology
|
Separated Bangla twins to recover fully: doctors
Utah teen to challenge citation for McDonald's rap
Bangladesh court rejects appeal of Mujib killers
US Senate unveils health care bill
Sony says e-readers in demand, shipments delayed
| Technology
|
LA County: Night aerial firefighting needed
Japan whale fleet leave for Antarctic: Greenpeace
Ex-first lady Laura Bush unveils Bush library plan
Obama, Lee to seek 'grand bargain' with NKorea
Indoor marijuana farm found near LA police station
Russell shifts course on Honduran union workers
Corruption scandal tests Indonesia's Yudhoyono
Desperate parents roam China to find kidnapped children
Former Marine recruiter sentenced to prison
S.Korea cautious on foreign bank liquidity controls
S.Korea restricts trading in FX forwards
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
FACTBOX-S.Korea forex liquidity control measures
Will Ferrell is Hollywood's most overpaid star: Forbes
Taiwan may end China high-tech investment ban
Deutsche Bank to be key player in Chinese bank
Taiwan rejects HK consortium's bid for AIG unit
S.Korean economy to grow in 2010: minister
S.Korea c.bank sees housing prices up
Malaysia's Maxis in S.E.Asia's biggest IPO
New Zealand growth picks up in Q3
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
"New Moon" poised for No. 1 box office bow
2 sites selling Beatles songs to remain shut down
Feud not mentioned in Obama interview
Dolphins, fashion advance in Oscar documentary race
Oscars pick director, unveil documentary shortlist
Bon Jovi comes full "Circle" at No. 1 on U.S. chart
Standoff with Sri Lankan asylum seekers ends
Thousands cheer Palin in Mich. for book tour
Aerosmith members concerned singer back on drugs
Will Ferrell is Hollywood's most overpaid star: Forbes
Will Ferrell is Hollywood's most overpaid star: Forbes
| Entertainment
|
Penelope Cruz offers a dream year in movies
| Entertainment
|
Johnny Depp earns second sexiest man title
| Entertainment
|
Aerosmith members concerned singer back on drugs
| Entertainment
|
Oscars pick director, unveil documentary shortlist
| Entertainment
|
New Moon poised for No. 1 box office bow
| Entertainment
|
Bon Jovi comes full Circle at No. 1 on U.S. chart
| Entertainment
|
Philippine Agri Chief, Officials Charged With Rigging $9.7 Million Ice Machine Bids
Canadian Scientists Develop Medical Paralysis Beam Similar To Star Trek's Phaser
South African Woman Thrown From 200-Foot Bridge Survives Fall
Hopeful Ninja Fails, Impales Self On Fence
U.S. Flagged Ship Maersk Alabama Repels Pirate Attack Using Hi-Tech Sonic Blasters
No Spectacular Heavenly Fireworks For Clouded In Washingtonians
Homeless Men Accused Of Killing And Eating A Man In Russia
Philippine Police Headquarters' Ban On Fake Reporters Renders Real Journalist Helpless
French Woman Marries Dead Partner
Canada Opts For A Different Way Of Appeasing British Home Children
UK public sector borrowing hits record £11.4 bln
Alcohol helps cut heart disease risk for men: study
Russian court forbids use of death penalty
China's military says website had 2.3 million attacks
South Afghanistan suicide blast kills 10
| International
|
Russian president fires top advisor: reports
Nokia sees corporate interest for netbook
Iraq election impasse continues, veto contested
| International
|
China wants content, values censored in online games
U.S. makes debut attendance at Hague war crimes court
| International
|
Israel, Egypt squeeze Gaza tunnel business
| International
|
India PM heads to U.S. in test of ties with Obama
| International
|
Nokia sees corporate interest for netbook
The nation's weather
University of Calif. headed to 32 percent fee hike
China wants content, values censored in online games
| Technology
|
2 US service members killed in Afghan explosion
Calif. requires TVs to be more energy-efficient
Nokia sees corporate interest for netbook
| Technology
|
Obama warns US, partners mulling 'consequences' for Iran
AP NewsAlert
Chicago terror suspects investigated in India
China's military says website had 2.3 million attacks
| Technology
|
Afghan president sworn in to second 5-year term
GAO: Fraud in gov't contracts for disabled vets
Senate Healthcare Bill Finally Gets CBO Score: $849 Billion
Afghanistan at a glance
Bomber kills 19 outside Pakistan court
Pilot Flight Plan Problems Results In Some Flight Delays Across Country
Senate Dems to make gov't plan widely available
Obama Ends First Visit To Asia Focused On North Korean Disarmament
US soldier prime suspect in Okinawa hit-and-run
Congress Begins Probe Of Fort Hood Shooting
FACT CHECK: Stimulus money to phantom districts?
Deerfield Beach Teen Intentionally Set On Fire Moved Out Of Intensive Care
Clinton In Afghanistan To Attend Karzai Inauguration
Suicide bomber kills 18 in Pakistan's Peshawar
Analysis: US works with and around Afghan leader
Miguel Exposito To Be Named Miami Police Chief
Gold On Unabated Ride Hits Record $1,153 High
Indonesia's anti-terrorism unit warns of new cells
19 killed in Pakistan courthouse bombing
Gov. Charlie Crist Supports Ban on Texting While Driving
American Firm Develops Defensive Sonic Blaster To Repel Pirate Attacks
OneAsia golf Tour gets key media partner
World recovery 'modest', debt must stop: OECD
OECD sees strong S.Korea recovery, helped by exports
Pakistan's July-Oct c/a def narrows to $1.071 bln
Bangladesh invites bids for new highway
South Korea offers talks on stalled US trade pact
Pakistani c.bank buys 22 billion rupees of t-bills
Seoul shares rise 1 pct on program, foreign buying
New Moon aims for big bite from box offices
| Entertainment
|
Life of Lula hits the screen in Brazilian biopic
Model Kate Moss criticized for skinny remark
| Entertainment
|
Politkovskaya expected death: new film
Indonesia must free flag protesters: rights group
Teen idol Zac Efron stars in Orson Welles tale
| Entertainment
|
Eat local rice? Senegalese say no thanks
Indonesia urged to free imprisoned flag wavers
Will Ferrell is Hollywood's most overpaid star: Forbes
| Entertainment
|
In modern India, 600 million lack toilets
Indonesia deports journalists covering Greenpeace
Americans run off the recession in record numbers
Johnny Depp earns second sexiest man title
| Entertainment
|
Record-bidding Aussie teen sailor crosses equator
Japan's native Ainu fight for cultural survival
Werner Herzog to head Berlin film festival jury
| Entertainment
|
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights