Drug-resistant dangerous bacteria are spreading in Ukraine

When Pte Oleksander Bezverkhny was evacuated to Feofania Hospital in Kiev, few believed he would survive. The 27-year-old was seriously wounded in the abdomen and shrapnel pierced his hip. Both his legs were amputated.

Then doctors discovered that her infections were resistant to commonly used antibiotics – and the already difficult task of saving her life became almost hopeless.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is when bacteria evolve and learn to protect themselves against antibiotics and other drugs, rendering them ineffective.

Ukraine is far from the only country affected by this problem: in 2021, an estimated 1.4 million people died from AMR infections globally, and in 2023, 66,730 serious antibiotic-resistant infections were reported in the UK. However, the war seems to have accelerated the spread of the disease. Highly resistant pathogens in Ukraine.

Clinics treating war wounds have reported a sharp increase in AMR cases. According to Deputy Chief Physician Dr. Andriy Stroka, more than 80% of all patients admitted to Feofania Hospital have infections caused by antibiotic-resistant microbes.

Ironically, antimicrobial-resistant infections often originate in healthcare facilities.

Medical workers try to follow strict hygiene protocols and use protective equipment to minimize the spread of these infections, but the facilities can be full of war-wounded people.

Dr. Vladimir Dubyna, head of the intensive care unit at Mechnikov Hospital, said that since the Russian invasion began, his unit has increased the number of beds from 16 to 50. levels drop.

Dr. Strokan explained that these conditions can affect the spread of AMR bacteria. “There is one nurse who takes care of 15-20 patients in the surgical departments. “She is physically unable to rub her hands enough and often enough to avoid spreading infections.”