Antibiotic resistance: a global disaster predicted for 2050

Antibiotic resistance is becoming an increasing concern. Experts estimate that by 2050, tens of millions of lives will be at risk. The outlook is alarming: bacteria seem to be evolving faster than our ability to combat them.


The study, published in The Lancet, analyzes the evolution of antibiotic resistance since 1990. The results show a worrying increase in deaths attributed to this resistance. More than one million people are already dying each year because of this phenomenon.

Between 2025 and 2050, projections predict 39 million deaths directly linked to resistant infections. Even worse, indirectly, antibiotic resistance could be associated with 169 million deaths during that period.

The most vulnerable populations are the elderly. Indeed, deaths among adults over the age of 70 have increased by 80% since the 1990s. The aging population makes this demographic more fragile in the face of resistant infections.

However, in children under the age of five, progress in infection prevention and control has halved the deaths related to resistant bacteria. Yet infections in these young patients are now harder to treat.

Among the most threatening pathogens, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is particularly concerning. It has spread significantly over the decades, making some treatments ineffective.

Despite this grim picture, there are solutions. Improved access to antibiotics and more cautious use could save 92 million lives, especially in the hardest-hit regions like South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

What is antibiotic resistance?

Antibiotic resistance is the ability of certain bacteria to resist the effects of antibiotics. This phenomenon occurs when bacteria mutate or acquire genes that allow them to survive despite the presence of drugs intended to eliminate them.

When bacteria become resistant, the infections they cause become harder to treat. This can lead to prolonged hospitalizations, severe complications, or even deaths. Without effective antibiotics, common medical procedures, such as surgeries or cancer treatments, would become far riskier.

Overconsumption and misuse of antibiotics are the main causes of antibiotic resistance. It is essential to take antibiotics only when prescribed by a doctor, to follow the recommended dosages, and to avoid using them for viral infections like colds or the flu.