Superbugs 'a concern'

ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA 'ALARMING'

- Geneva

» Responsible for the most invasive infections in newborns - studies.

Superbug infections are taking a disproportionate toll in sub-Saharan Africa, where there is "extremely concerning" levels of multiresistant bacterial strains among young children, two studies have warned this week.

The World Health Organisation has declared antimicrobial resistance, which occurs when bacteria become immune to antibiotics, a global health crisis.

Analyses carried out by Geneva University Hospital (HUG) and the University of Geneva (UNIGE) concluded that the situation in sub-Saharan Africa was particularly “alarming".

"We observed a strong proportion of antibiotic resistant bacteria, in particular those found in the blood of young patients," said Noemie Wagner, at HUG's paediatric infectiology unit.

Both analyses focused on enterobacteria, which are found in the digestive tract and are known for their ability to develop antibiotic resistance.

They are responsible for the most invasive infections in newborns in the region, researchers said.