The Pope remains hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital due to a respiratory illness caused by a polymicrobial infection. His condition worsened after pneumonia was detected in both lungs.
Concerns over his health first arose on February 22, when he exhibited respiratory distress. Though he initially showed signs of improvement with high-flow oxygen therapy, his condition fluctuated.
On February 28, he experienced vomiting and temporary breathing difficulties, requiring mechanical ventilation and additional oxygen support.
Polymicrobial infections are caused by pathogens resistant to multiple antibiotics, posing a serious global threat. These antibiotic-resistant bacteria lead to difficult-to-treat diseases, often rendering existing antibiotics ineffective. This presents a major public health risk, prompting many countries to develop strategies to combat the issue.
One of the leading causes of polymicrobial infections is the overuse of antibiotics. In hospitals, excessive antibiotic prescriptions or self-medication without proper prescriptions allow bacteria to adapt and develop resistance. This leads to more severe infections that no longer respond to conventional treatments. Notable pathogens responsible for polymicrobial infections include Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB), and Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE).
When these infections occur, patients often require stronger antibiotics or alternative treatments. However, effective treatment options for these pathogens remain limited. Polymicrobial infections are more likely to affect individuals with weakened immune systems, making them particularly dangerous for high-risk groups such as the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, and cancer patients.
The World Health Organization (WHO) considers polymicrobial infections a critical issue and emphasizes the need for international cooperation to address this growing threat.
In response, the WHO is enforcing stricter regulations on antibiotic use while supporting research into new treatments. Hospitals worldwide are also strengthening infection control measures and promoting responsible antibiotic use to curb the spread of these dangerous infections.
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