Antibiotic Resistance Continues to Rise in Sweden, Reports 2024 Data
Sweden's antibiotic resistance levels reported to be rising according to 2024 data, sparking concerns among health officials.
Key Points
- • Antibiotic resistance is on the rise in Sweden according to the Swedres-Svarm 2024 report.
- • MRSA prevalence is now at 2.6% while ESBL-producing E.coli is 9.2%.
- • Serious resistance forms, such as ESBL-CARBA, increased significantly to 410 cases this year.
- • Despite rising resistance, antibiotic sales have stabilized, indicating improved responsible use.
A recent report, Swedres-Svarm 2024, reveals grim trends in antibiotic resistance in Sweden, indicating that despite efforts and set goals, resistance levels are increasing. This annual report, prepared by the Public Health Agency of Sweden and the National Veterinary Institute, noted that the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and ESBL-producing E.coli has risen, with MRSA rates at 2.6% and ESBL-producing E.coli at 9.2% in 2024.
Olov Aspevall from the Public Health Agency highlighted that while the country aims to reduce these figures by 2030, current trends show a persistent increase which poses significant challenges. Particularly alarming is the rise in serious resistance forms such as ESBL-CARBA cases, which have surged to 410 this year, up from 314 in 2023. This is concerning given ESBL-CARBA's resistance to critical antibiotics, complicating treatment options for patients.
Despite these troubling statistics, Aspevall pointed out some positive news: antibiotic sales have stabilized, indicating an upward trend in responsible antibiotic use among healthcare providers. These developments underscore the complexity of combating antibiotic resistance in Sweden and the ongoing efforts needed to tackle this public health challenge effectively.