Researchers found that the worldwide use of antibiotics in humans soared 39% between 2000 and 2015, particularly in low- and middle-income nations. The map above shows increases in defined daily doses (DDDs) — a statistical and standardized measure of drug consumption — per 1,000 inhabitants. Red shades indicate an increase in antibiotic consumption, while blue shades indicate a decrease. (Map courtesy of the High Meadows Environmental Institute)
Despite the threat of a global antibiotic-resistance crisis, the worldwide use of antibiotics in humans soared 39% between 2000 and 2015, fueled by dramatic increases in low-income and middle-income countries, according to a study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The study, which analyzed human antibiotic consumption in 76 countries, is the most comprehensive assessment of global trends to date.
Researchers from the Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics and Policy (CDDEP), Princeton University’s High Meadows Environmental Institute (HMEI), ETH Zurich and the University of Antwerp found that antibiotic consumption rates between 2000 and 2015 increased worldwide from 11.3 to 15.7 defined daily doses per 1,000 inhabitants per day. Altogether, the total global use of antibiotics in humans was estimated to be 35 billion defined daily doses in 2015, a 65% increase from 2000.
Antibiotic use in low-income and middle-income countries — particularly of broad-spectrum penicillins — increased by 114%, spurred by economic and population growth. The United States remained one of the largest consumers of glycylcyclines (tigecycline) and oxazolidinones (linezolid).
Despite the rising rates of antibiotic use worldwide, the study authors suggest that reducing antibiotic consumption is possible.
