WHO updates Bacterial Pathogens Priority List: What is it, and should you be worried?

Antibiotic resistance – it’s a term we hear thrown around, but what does it mean for our health? With the rise of superbugs, and bacteria that shrug off our strongest antibiotics, the future of treating common infections seems uncertain.

However, there’s hope! The World Health Organization (WHO,  this week, took a critical step in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by updating their Bacterial Priority Pathogens List (BPPL).

This might sound like a scientific technicality, but according to Dr Rahul Agarwal, Consultant Internal Medicine at CARE Hospitals Hitech City, Hyderabad, it’s a crucial step in the fight against this growing health threat. 

Let’s delve deeper into what this update signifies and how it can impact your everyday life. We’ll explore the purpose of the BPPL, the latest changes, and most importantly, what you can do to safeguard yourself and your loved ones from these increasingly resistant pathogens.

What is the Bacterial Priority Pathogens List (BPPL)?

Dr Agarwal explained that the BPPL is a critical tool. Here’s why:

Purpose: The BPPL guides research and development (R&D) efforts for new antibiotics, ensuring we have effective treatments available in the future.

Importance: AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, and other microbes become resistant to the drugs designed to kill them. This can lead to increased illness, longer hospital stays, and even death. The misuse and overuse of antibiotics are major contributors to AMR.

What’s new?

Educate yourself and others about AMR and the importance of responsible antibiotic use. (file)

The updated list categoriess 15 families of antibiotic-resistant bacteria into three priority groups, Dr Agarwal said:

Critical Priority: These pose the most significant threat and include:
Gram-negative bacteria (e.g., Acinetobacter baumannii) which can easily develop resistance and spread it to others.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis resistant to the antibiotic rifampicin, a concern for tuberculosis treatment.

High Priority: These pathogens pose major challenges, especially in healthcare settings, such as:
Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium, a hospital-acquired infection.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a common antibiotic-resistant infection.

Medium Priority: These pathogens cause a high disease burden and require attention, particularly in vulnerable populations. New additions to the 2024 list include Group A and B Streptococci.

What can you do?

Dr Agarwal emphasised that everyone can play a role in combating AMR:

Antibiotic Stewardship

• Only take antibiotics when prescribed by a doctor and complete the entire course, even if you start to feel better.
• Never pressure your doctor for antibiotics for viral illnesses like the common cold.

Hygiene Practices

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating, preparing food, and after using the restroom.
• Practice good food hygiene, including cooking meat thoroughly and avoiding cross-contamination.
• Maintain cleanliness in your home and healthcare settings.

Vaccination

• Vaccines can prevent certain bacterial infections, such as those caused by pneumococcus.

Awareness and Advocacy

• Educate yourself and others about AMR and the importance of responsible antibiotic use.
• Advocate for policies that promote infection prevention and responsible antibiotic use in healthcare settings.

By understanding the BPPL update and following these simple steps, you can contribute to the global fight against AMR and ensure effective treatments are available for future generations.

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