Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is accelerating, and the most recent global and European data show how the coming decades will challenge healthcare systems. The numbers tell a clear story: resistant infections are increasing, spreading, and becoming harder to treat — especially in hospitals.
Here are the key figures that show what lies ahead.
1. By 2050, AMR could cause up to 10 million deaths per year
By 2050, AMR could cause up to 10 million deaths every year, according to projections from the World Health Organization (WHO). This represents a massive increase compared to the 1.27 million deaths attributed to AMR recorded in 2019, as reported by the Global Research on Antimicrobial Resistance (GRAM) project from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME).
IHME further estimates that, without concrete interventions, bacterial AMR could be responsible for over 39 million cumulative deaths between 2025 and 2050. The models also show that the burden of resistant infections will fall especially on older adults and individuals with comorbidities, particularly in the most fragile healthcare systems.
These projections strongly underscore the urgency of investing in infection prevention, responsible antibiotic use, the strengthening of national AMR strategies, and innovation in the development of new antimicrobials.
2. The situation in Europe is worsening
The latest WHO/Europe and ECDC data highlight alarming trends:
- Infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae have increased by 61% since 2019.
- 1 out of 3 countries in Europe reports carbapenem resistance equal to or above 25%.
- Incidence of third-generation cephalosporin-resistant E. coli has increased by 5.9%, moving further away from the European reduction target.
If these trends continue, Europe risks a future in which many common infections will once again become difficult — or impossible — to treat.
3. Gram-negative bacteria are driving the crisis
Both global and European reports identify the same core group of critical pathogens:
- E. coli — the leading global cause of resistant bloodstream infections.
- Klebsiella pneumoniae — carbapenem resistance increasing, reaching 25–50% in various countries.
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter spp. — showing resistance above 50% in some European regions.
These bacteria thrive in hospital environments, where they encounter antibiotics, vulnerable patients, and complex infection-control challenges.
4. Hospitals remain the epicenter of AMR
Data consistently confirm that the threat of AMR is concentrated in healthcare settings, where several factors converge:
- high antibiotic use
- vulnerable patients
- complex care procedures
- inconsistent hygiene practices
Hospitals in southern and eastern Europe report some of the highest resistance levels in the region.
5. Prevention can still change the future
IHME projections clearly show that the future is not predetermined.
Effective infection prevention and control (IPC) programs — especially hand hygiene — can reduce healthcare-associated infections by 70%.
This means that millions of potential deaths can be prevented through:
- consistent hygiene
- early detection
- responsible use of antibiotics
- investments for safer healthcare environments
European data show that countries with stronger surveillance and IPC systems have more stable resistance trends.
Looking ahead
If current trends continue, the future may bring:
- more resistant hospital outbreaks
- increased carbapenem resistance
- heavier pressure on intensive care units
- rising mortality among the most vulnerable groups
But the data also reveals a clear path: prevention works, and it works at scale.
The future of AMR will be shaped not only by new drugs, but by the everyday actions that stop infections from spreading.
Preventing infection means slowing down resistance.
Sources:
- WHO, Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS) Report 2025
- WHO Regional Office for Europe & ECDC, Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance in Europe – 2024 Data
- IHME & University of Oxford, Global Research on Antimicrobial Resistance (GRAM) – Proiezioni fino al 2050
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