WHO Releases Updated 2024 Bacterial Priority Pathogens List to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance

The World Health Organization (WHO) has unveiled the updated Bacterial Priority Pathogens List (BPPL) for 2024, categorizing 15 families of antibiotic-resistant bacteria into critical, high, and medium priority groups. This essential list aims to guide the development of new antibiotics and promote international collaboration to address the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites become resistant to medications, leading to more severe illnesses and higher risks of disease spread and mortality. The misuse and overuse of antimicrobials are significant drivers of AMR.

Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, WHO’s Assistant Director-General for Antimicrobial Resistance ad interim, emphasized the importance of the updated BPPL, noting that it maps the global burden of drug-resistant bacteria and assesses their impact on public health. The critical priority pathogens, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis and various gram-negative bacteria, pose significant global threats due to their resistance to last-resort antibiotics.

High priority pathogens like Salmonella, Shigella, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are particularly burdensome in low- and middle-income countries, while medium priority pathogens such as Group A and B Streptococci require increased attention in vulnerable populations.

The BPPL 2024 reflects the evolving nature of AMR, with changes from the 2017 list highlighting the need for targeted interventions based on regional pathogen distribution and burden. This comprehensive approach is crucial for mitigating AMR’s impact on public health and the economy.

For more detailed information, visit https://www.who.int/news/item/17-05-2024-who-updates-list-of-drug-resistant-bacteria-most-threatening-to-human-health