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23.05.2025 - Foods

Increasingantibioticresistanceinhospitalgerms–RKIreportwarnsofhealthandfoodsafetyhazards

In Germany, dangerous antibiotic-resistant bacteria are continuing to spread. This is according to the current annual report of the National Reference Center (NRZ) for Gram-negative hospital pathogens. The number of bacterial samples submitted increased again in 2024 - and with it the findings of so-called carbapenemase-producing pathogens, which are resistant to many antibiotics.

Significant increase in resistant pathogens
In total, over 10,600 samples from German clinics and laboratories were submitted in 2024 - that is about 4% more than the previous year. In more than 5,300 cases, experts found bacteria that produce a specific enzyme: carbapenemases. These enzymes render many common antibiotics ineffective. Compared to 2023, this represents an increase of almost 14% in these particularly resistant germs.

The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) has identified an alarming increase in resistance among important hospital germs in a recent report. Gram-positive bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus as well as gram-negative pathogens such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae are particularly affected. These bacteria are increasingly showing resistance to so-called reserve antibiotics - medications used as a last resort in treating severe infections.

The spread of these multidrug-resistant germs poses not only a major challenge to hospitals and the healthcare system but can also impact food safety. Particularly, Staphylococcus aureus is known for causing infections both in clinical settings and through food transmissions. The germs can be transmitted throughout the entire food production chain, thereby increasing the risk of bacterial diseases and food poisoning.

The RKI report highlights the importance of a holistic approach that includes both the medical field and the monitoring of food to effectively contain the spread of resistant pathogens.

The BAV Institute, as an accredited testing laboratory, offers comprehensive microbiological examinations of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and other germs - including rapid methods that allow for prompt diagnostics. Contact us. Our customer advisors are available to assist with any questions.

Source.