The World Health Organization (WHO) has unveiled its updated Bacterial Priority Pathogens List (BPPL) for 2024, spotlighting 15 families of antibiotic-resistant bacteria classified into critical, high, and medium priority categories. This initiative aims to steer research and development efforts towards combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a global health crisis exacerbated by the misuse of antibiotics.
Critical priority pathogens, like gram-negative bacteria resistant to last-resort antibiotics and drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis, pose severe threats due to their resistance to treatment and capacity to spread resistance genes. Gram-negative bacteria, in particular, possess innate mechanisms for evolving resistance, contributing to the proliferation of drug-resistant strains.
High priority pathogens include Salmonella, Shigella, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus, which are prevalent in low- and middle-income countries and present significant challenges in healthcare settings. Additionally, antibiotic-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Enterococcus faecium demand focused research and interventions due to persistent infections and resistance to multiple antibiotics.
Medium priority pathogens, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae, also require attention, especially in vulnerable populations and resource-limited settings. The BPPL underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive public health approach to address AMR, encompassing prevention, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment measures.
Changes from the 2017 list reflect the evolving landscape of AMR. Notably, the removal and addition of pathogen-antibiotic combinations highlight emerging concerns and shifts in resistance patterns. Despite certain pathogens transitioning between priority levels, investment in R&D and prevention strategies remains crucial to mitigate their impact. The WHO’s BPPL 2024 serves as a global roadmap for combating AMR, emphasizing tailored interventions to address regional variations in pathogen distribution and resistance burdens. As AMR continues to evolve, collaborative efforts guided by the BPPL are essential to safeguard public health and preserve the efficacy of antimicrobial treatments.