Superbugs could kill 40 million people by 2050, study estimates

(The Hill) -- Superbugs that are increasingly resistant to infections could kill up to 40 million people between now and 2050, according to new research published in the journal The Lancet. 

During that time period, the extensive study forecasted that 169 million deaths would be associated with antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The study was described as the first of its kind to present a comprehensive assessment of the threats AMR poses globally. 

The study found that over a million people died from AMR annually across the globe between 1990 and 2021.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve and "no longer respond to medicines." This makes infections more difficult to treat and increases the risk of disease transmission, serious illness, and death.

The WHO said AMR is "one of the top global public health and development threats" and "affects countries in all regions and at all income levels."

Deaths from AMR, between 1990 and 2021, have dropped more than 50 percent among kids younger than 5 years old, but the numbers have increased by over 80 percent for those aged 70 and above, according to the study. 

The study also predicted that deaths from AMR will rise by 2050 if effective measures to address the issue are not set in place.

“Our analysis of trends in AMR mortality by age suggests that there is a need for interventions to tackle the increasing burden of AMR in older age groups going forward,” the researchers wrote. 

The researchers also wrote that 1.91 million people around the world could die as a direct result of AMR in 2050 alone. Around 8.22 million deaths associated with AMR could happen globally in 2050, according to the study. 

“Given the high variability of AMR burden by location and age, it is important that interventions combine infection prevention, vaccination, minimisation of inappropriate antibiotic use in farming and humans, and research into new antibiotics to mitigate the number of AMR deaths that are forecasted for 2050,” the researchers wrote.

Next week, on Sept. 26, world leaders will gather at the United Nations General Assembly for a high-level meeting on how to combat AMR.

Nexstar's Ashleigh Jackson contributed to this report.