Context:
WHO updated Bacterial Pathogens Priority List (BPPL) as critical priority pathogens continue to present major global threat.
Bacterial Pathogens Priority List:
- Developed by – World Health Organisation (WHO)
- Aim – To list bacterial pathogens of public health importance to guide research, development and strategies to prevent and control antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
- 2024 edition –
- Built on the 1st edition (published in 2017)
- Updates and refines the prioritization of antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens to address antibiotic resistance.
- Categories – Critical, high, and medium priority groups
- Coverage – 24 pathogens, spanning 15 families of antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens.
- Notable pathogens –
- Gram-negative bacteria resistant to last-resort antibiotics
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis resistant to the antibiotic rifampicin
- Other high-burden resistant pathogens – Salmonella, Shigella, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus.
- Importance – Act as a guide for prioritizing R&D & investments in AMR, emphasizing the need for regionally tailored strategies.
About AMR:
- AMR occurs when the microbes (bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses) evolve so that existing antimicrobial drugs are no longer effective.
- The evolved pathogens that are harder to treat are referred to as “superbugs”.
- Causes for the spread of AMR –
- Biological: Gene transfer, Mutation etc.
- Societal: Inappropriate use of antibiotics, inadequate diagnostics, Poor infection control etc.
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India?
1. Genetic predisposition of some people
2. Taking incorrect doses of antibiotics to cure diseases
3. Using antibiotics in livestock farming
4. Multiple chronic diseases in some people
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2019 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (b)
