To examine geographic and temporal patterns of pediatric antibiotic resistance and project changes over the next decade using a large AMR surveillance dataset.
Approach:
Data Source: Utilized the Antimicrobial Testing Leadership and Surveillance (ATLAS) dataset, covering 82 countries from January 2004 to December 2022.
Age Group Categorization: Children were categorized into three age groups: 0-2 years, 3-12 years, and 13-18 years.
Pathogen Selection: Analyzed pathogens designated as critical, high, or medium priority by WHO, excluding those with low isolate numbers.
Resistance Classification: Antibiotics were classified according to the WHO AWaRe system, defining resistance as resistance to at least one antibiotic in the group.
Statistical Analysis: Applied linear and nonlinear methods to evaluate resistance patterns and forecast AMR through 2035 using generalized additive models.
Key Findings:
AMR is linked to an estimated 840,000 deaths among children under 5 years in 2021.
Multidrug-resistant organisms account for up to 10% of bloodstream infections in children.
Responses to pediatric AMR are limited by inadequate surveillance and lack of appropriate antibiotic formulations.
Interpretation:
Evidence on AMR among children remains fragmented, complicating clinical decision-making and policy formulation.
Limitations:
Inadequate surveillance data for children hampers comprehensive understanding.
International findings, especially from resource-limited settings, are often difficult to compare.
Conclusion:
The study highlights the urgent need for improved AMR surveillance and appropriate antibiotic formulations for children.
