"Antibiotic resistance and hospital-acquired infections continue to be a serious problem in our country", said in the studio of "The Day Begins" the director of the National Center for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Prof. Iva Hristova. She also commented on the spread of the bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae, which is increasingly associated with severe infections in a hospital environment.
"This is a normal inhabitant of the intestinal tract, but outside it it causes a number of infections – severe pneumonia, wound infections, surgical incisions, meningitis, sepsis", explained Prof. Hristova.
According to her, the risk is higher in hospitalized patients due to weakened immunity.
She emphasized that the environment in medical institutions is controlled, but "it is far from sterile", and sterility requires strictly written and observed rules. Despite this, Bulgaria remains the only country in Europe without an officially adopted national plan for limiting antibiotic resistance:
"The plan has been prepared for years, corrected many times, but has not been adopted."
According to her, hospital-acquired infections in our country are greatly underestimated in reports:
"A large part of medical institutions hide them or do not diagnose them. The reported rate is unrealistically low," she said, describing the practice as dangerous, as patients often leave hospitals unaware that they are carrying the bacteria.
Prof. Hristova stressed the importance of screenings - upon admission, of staff, and upon discharge - to prevent the transfer of bacteria between healthcare facilities.
"These are resistant bacteria that persist on surfaces and require very thorough disinfection - everywhere, including drain grates and sinks," she specified.
Regarding antibiotic use, Hristova warned that resistance develops not only with excessive use, but also with "shorter courses or lower doses". She pointed out that electronic prescriptions have reduced use by about 20%, but this is only a first step.
"Compared to Western Europe, antibiotics are being used indiscriminately, especially for viral infections. There is no viral infection that can be treated with antibiotics," said Prof. Iva Hristova, recalling the massive incorrect prescribing during Covid.
According to her, the latest and most effective strategic antibiotics are not available in Bulgaria because for traders "the market is small and unprofitable". However, they are necessary in severe cases with multi-resistant strains, and the mortality rate in Europe from such infections exceeds 35,000 people per year.
Prof. Hristova insisted on the urgent adoption of a national plan and strict adherence to hospital policies that limit the use of certain antibiotics in order to slow the development of resistance.