Drug-resistant infections kill tens of thousands of people in the United States each year. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) alone infects more than 94,000 people and kills nearly 19,000 Americans every year, more deaths than caused by emphysema, HIV/AIDS, Parkinson's disease, and homicide. A new interactive map on IDSA's website describes in detail the local impact of these and other resistant infections across the nation with detailed U.S. state-specific information.

Two recent European reports, similar to IDSA's 2004 "Bad Bugs, No Drugs" report, describe the growing problem of antibiotic resistance in Europe and highlight possible strategies to stimulate the development of new drugs. Approximately 25,000 people die each year in Europe from just five resistant infections analyzed in one report, drafted by the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Medicines Agency (EMEA). The other major report, from the London School of Economics and Political Science, outlines possible policy options and incentives to kick start research and development into new antimicrobial drugs and diagnostics. Both reports are available at: www.se2009.eu/en/meetings_news/2009/9/17/conference_innovative_incentives_for_effective_antibacterials

"The next step forward must be to bring together an interdisciplinary group of experts from the scientific, medical, public health and economic communities to establish international priorities and develop a joint plan for action," Dr. Whitley said. "By exchanging best practices and sharing experiences from both continents, together we can begin developing a global solution to address this dangerous worldwide threat."

Source: Infectious Diseases Society of America