Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) are a group of bacteria that can resist some powerful antibiotics. These antibiotics are crucial for treating serious infections in humans. Unfortunately, as these bacteria become more common, our options for effective treatment are shrinking, raising significant public health concerns.
According to a recent report from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), CPE have been found in the food supply in 14 out of 30 EU/EFTA countries since 2011. The report highlights that the most commonly detected strains include E. coli, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, and Salmonella, mainly from pigs, cattle, and to a lesser extent, poultry. Alarmingly, the number of reported cases has increased, particularly over the last few years.
Historically, antibiotic resistance has been a growing issue. A study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy indicated that about 70% of bacteria causing infections in hospitals are resistant to at least one antibiotic. This highlights the ongoing challenges in fighting bacterial infections effectively.
In response to the rising threat of CPE, the EFSA recommends several strategies. They suggest expanding monitoring to include other food products like seafood and vegetables. Improving detection methods is also essential, as is conducting thorough investigations to track how these bacteria spread within food chains.
It’s interesting to note that ten EU/EFTA countries already have contingency plans to control and investigate these bacteria. This proactive approach is critical as experts believe that the spread of CPE could be minimized by focusing on a "One Health" strategy. This means integrating efforts in human, animal, and environmental health to combat antibiotic resistance effectively.
In summary, as CPE pose a growing risk, our understanding and monitoring of these bacteria need to improve. By taking decisive action, we can work toward safeguarding public health and ensuring effective treatments remain available.
For more detailed information from the EFSA, you can access their full report here.
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