The World Health Organization (WHO) has released an updated drug-resistant bacteria list for priority pathogens to provide guidance on the development of new and necessary treatments to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) globally.
The updated Bacterial Priority Pathogens List (BPPL) 2024 includes 15 families of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, categorised into critical, high and medium priorities.
Designated as one of the top ten global public threats facing humanity by WHO, AMR occurs when bacteria, fungi and parasites change and adapt antibiotics over time.
Critical priority pathogens, including gram-negative bacteria and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, are currently the most threatening to humans globally due to their high burden, ability to resist treatment and ability to spread resistance to other bacteria.
In addition, the updated list highlights the need for a comprehensive public health approach to addressing AMR, including universal access to quality and affordable measures for prevention, diagnosis and appropriate treatment of infections in alignment with WHO’s people-centred approach to addressing AMR and core package of AMR interventions.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released an updated drug-resistant bacteria list for priority pathogens to provide guidance on the development of new and necessary treatments to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) globally.
The updated Bacterial Priority Pathogens List (BPPL) 2024 includes 15 families of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, categorised into critical, high and medium priorities.
Designated as one of the top ten global public threats facing humanity by WHO, AMR occurs when bacteria, fungi and parasites change and adapt antibiotics over time.
“AMR jeopardises our ability to effectively treat high-burden infections,” said Dr Jérôme Salomon, assistant director-general, universal health coverage, communicable and noncommunicable diseases, WHO.
As well as involving new evidence and expert insights to help guide research and development for new antibiotics, the BPPL also promotes international coordination for innovation.
Since 2017, the list has removed five pathogen-antibiotic combinations and included four new combinations.
Critical priority pathogens, including gram-negative bacteria and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, are currently the most threatening to humans globally due to their high burden, ability to resist treatment and ability to spread resistance to other bacteria.
Pathogens, including Salmonella and Shigella, are considered high-priority pathogens that have a particularly high burden in low- and middle-income countries, as well as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, which pose significant challenges in healthcare settings.
Medium-priority pathogens, including Group A and B Streptococci, present a high disease burden and require increased attention, particularly in vulnerable populations such as paediatric and elderly populations, especially in resource-limited settings.
In addition, the updated list highlights the need for a comprehensive public health approach to addressing AMR, including universal access to quality and affordable measures for prevention, diagnosis and appropriate treatment of infections in alignment with WHO’s people-centred approach to addressing AMR and core package of AMR interventions.
Dr Yukiko Nakatani, assistant director-general, AMR ad interim, WHO, commented: “Since… 2017, the threat of AMR has intensified, eroding the efficacy of numerous antibiotics and putting many of the gains of modern medicine at risk.”
“By mapping the global burden of drug-resistant bacteria and assessing their impact on public health, this list is key to guiding investment and grappling with the antibiotic pipeline and access crisis,” said Nakatani.
