Overconsumption antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance remain the two most serious threats to public health in Greece, ranking our country in the unfavorable first positions of the European Union in both categories.
The scientists of the National Public Health Organization (EODY) have set the goal of reducing the consumption of antibiotics by 27% by 2030. the scientists of the National Public Health Organization (EODY).
During an informative meeting on Wednesday (11.12.2024) with Health journalists, the experts pointed out the seriousness of the problem, characterizing it as “double”, as it shows a constant increase over time both inside hospitals and outside in the community.
The President of EODY, Professor of Hygiene & Epidemiology, at the University of Thessaly, Christos Hatzichristodoulou, pointed out how 12% of patients admitted to hospitals have already been exposed to a microbe which they transfer to other patients, announced the launch of important interventions to deal with of the problem:
“We are starting a program that includes surveillance of new hospital admissions, isolation measures for patients with multi-resistant strains and staff training. At the same time, we are planning information campaigns in the community on the correct use of antibiotics”, he emphasized.
Pathogenic microbes, such as Klebsiella, Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas, are flooding Greek hospitals.
Increased percentages in the consumption of antibiotics are noted by women up to the age of 70, men after the age of 70 and the inhabitants of the Ionian islands, Crete and the South Aegean.
Antimicrobial resistance: Shocking evidence
Dr. Xanthi Dedoukou, Pediatrician – Infectious Diseases Specialist at the Department of Antimicrobial Resistance and Infections of the EODY, underlined that Greece records the highest number of deaths due to antimicrobial resistance in Europe, with 20 deaths per 100,000 population per year.
This translates into a higher number of deaths compared to other countries in the European Union, but also “a higher number of years of quality life lost, lost to disability and premature loss of life from antimicrobial resistance,” it said.
Even more worrying is the fact that in a recent study of the prevalence of resistant microbes in hospitals, it was found that 12 out of 100 Greek patients admitted to the hospital for any reason were infected with nosocomial pathogens.
The corresponding European average is almost half that, i.e. 6.8 out of 100 on average, who have at least one hospital-acquired infection.
It is worth noting that 1 in 3 patients carried the infection on admission.
“70% of infections associated with antimicrobial resistance are health care-associated, indicating the imperative to reduce nosocomial infections,” emphasized Ms. Dedukou.
Champions and in the consumption of antibiotics
The data on the consumption of antibiotics are also worrying. According to Dr. Georgia Kourlampa, Assistant Professor of Research Methodology – Evidence-Based Nursing Practice at the University of Peloponnese, “the consumption of antibiotics in the community in Greece amounts to 26.7 daily doses per 1,000 inhabitants, against the European average of 18.3”.
The problem of overconsumption is exacerbated by a lack of compliance with basic prevention measures such as hand washing in hospitals.
Shocking were the data of a study that proved that there is a low compliance rate of medical and nursing staff in infection prevention measures, and especially in hand washing.
“This is a problem that indicates a bad mentality”, commented the president of EODY, Mr. Hatzichristodoulou, while Professor Nikos Sypsas, added that in some hospitals of foreign countries doctors are strictly controlled and there are even penalties in case of non-observance of the measures.
Nosocomial infections and loss of life
The Professor Nikos Sypsas, President of the Hellenic Society of Infections, characterized antimicrobial resistance as a “silent pandemic”, pointing out that «2,000-3,000 deaths per year in Greece they are due to nosocomial infections”.
At the same time, he mentioned that the new leadership of EODY has taken initiatives to raise awareness and improve practices in hospitals. “We want to break the silence,” he said characteristically.
The scientists also pointed out that EODY has secured funding for it staff recruitment and specifically 90 peoplewhich will receive special training so that they can supervise the measures in 55 hospitals throughout the country.
The goal is, within three years, the 12 patients with nosocomial infection per 100 imports, to be reduced to 9.
In addition, the Agency plans to create an app that will provide doctors with easy access to guidelines for dealing with infections.
Isolation of patients in hospitals is required
The experts emphasized that the goal of reducing the consumption of antibiotics by 27% by 2030compared to its rates 2019requires coordinated actions.
“We need to move from theory to practice”said Dr. Dedoukou, pointing out the need for early microbiological detection and isolation of patients.
Scientists noted that effective help in limiting the phenomenon is the tracking of patients when they enter the hospital and limiting their contact with other patients.
However, this is not possible as there are no isolated rooms in the NHS. A solution could be the hospitalization of patients affected by the same infection, in common wards.
Also, the implementation of documented practices and guidelines, staff training and the cultivation of a culture of prevention are basic steps to address the problem.
Professor Sypsas underlined the need for cooperation of all involved bodies: “Tackling antimicrobial resistance is not just a matter for hospitals. It is required community involvement and everyone’s compliance with the guidelines,” concluded.
Her Giannas Soulakis /Source: iatropedia.gr