As Ukraine battles the aftermath of war, hospitals are witnessing a surge in drug-resistant infections, complicating treatment for wounded soldiers. Experts warn of an urgent healthcare crisis fueled by limited resources and overwhelming patient numbers.**
The Rise of Drug-Resistant Infections Amidst the Ukraine Conflict**
The Rise of Drug-Resistant Infections Amidst the Ukraine Conflict**
War has intensified the spread of antimicrobial resistance in Ukrainian hospitals, endangering countless lives.**
In Ukraine's hospitals, the shadow of war is not only marked by physical injuries but also by a rising tide of drug-resistant infections that threaten the lives of countless patients. This alarming issue came into sharp focus with the story of Pte Oleksander Bezverkhny, a 27-year-old soldier who lost both legs to a severe injury and later faced the daunting challenge of antibiotic-resistant sepsis.
Following his evacuation to Feofaniya Hospital in Kyiv after sustaining a devastating abdominal injury, it initially seemed unlikely that Bezverkhny would survive. As doctors worked to save his life, they discovered that his infections were resistant to the usual antibiotic treatments, leaving them in a race against time. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been a growing global concern, with approximately 1.4 million deaths linked to AMR infections in 2021 worldwide. However, the war in Ukraine has intensified this crisis.
Local clinics that specialize in treating war injuries report a sharp increase in AMR cases among their patients. According to Dr. Andriy Strokan, deputy chief physician at Feofaniya Hospital, over 80% of patients admitted there are afflicted with antibiotic-resistant microbes. The irony is that many of these infections often originate in healthcare settings, despite medical personnel making substantial efforts to adhere to strict hygiene protocols.
Dr. Volodymyr Dubyna, head of the ICU at Mechnikov Hospital, describes a dramatic increase in patient capacity, which has surged from 16 to 50 beds since the Russian invasion began. While healthcare professionals are working harder than ever, many have joined the military or fled the conflict, further straining resources.
"In surgical units, one nurse may manage 15 to 20 patients, making it nearly impossible to maintain proper hygiene standards," Dr. Strokan explained. The unique nature of war also exposes patients to multiple strains of infections, especially as injured soldiers move between various medical facilities. Each transfer increases the risk of spreading AMR.
In Bezverkhny's case, he was treated across three different hospitals, exacerbating his struggle against multiple infections, ultimately leading to five instances of sepsis. This chaotic treatment pattern contrasts sharply with scenarios like the Afghanistan conflict, where patients would typically be stabilized in the field before being airlifted to specialized care in Europe.
With unprecedented numbers of wounded individuals, Ukrainian hospitals are struggling to isolate patients with resistant infections. The antibiotics available to treat these infections are limited and costly, and over-prescribing can lead to faster adaptation by the bacteria, complicating future treatments.
"We have to strike a critical balance," Dr. Strokan noted, expressing the dilemma of treating patients while also considering the long-term implications of fostering further antimicrobial resistance. Bezverkhny's recovery involved expensive antibiotics sourced by volunteers from abroad, and though his life has been saved after a grueling year with over 100 surgeries, the challenges of combating resistant pathogens remain.
As Ukraine faces a health crisis deepened by conflict, the battle against drug-resistant infections emphasizes the dire needs and complex struggles of a healthcare system under immense strain.
Following his evacuation to Feofaniya Hospital in Kyiv after sustaining a devastating abdominal injury, it initially seemed unlikely that Bezverkhny would survive. As doctors worked to save his life, they discovered that his infections were resistant to the usual antibiotic treatments, leaving them in a race against time. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been a growing global concern, with approximately 1.4 million deaths linked to AMR infections in 2021 worldwide. However, the war in Ukraine has intensified this crisis.
Local clinics that specialize in treating war injuries report a sharp increase in AMR cases among their patients. According to Dr. Andriy Strokan, deputy chief physician at Feofaniya Hospital, over 80% of patients admitted there are afflicted with antibiotic-resistant microbes. The irony is that many of these infections often originate in healthcare settings, despite medical personnel making substantial efforts to adhere to strict hygiene protocols.
Dr. Volodymyr Dubyna, head of the ICU at Mechnikov Hospital, describes a dramatic increase in patient capacity, which has surged from 16 to 50 beds since the Russian invasion began. While healthcare professionals are working harder than ever, many have joined the military or fled the conflict, further straining resources.
"In surgical units, one nurse may manage 15 to 20 patients, making it nearly impossible to maintain proper hygiene standards," Dr. Strokan explained. The unique nature of war also exposes patients to multiple strains of infections, especially as injured soldiers move between various medical facilities. Each transfer increases the risk of spreading AMR.
In Bezverkhny's case, he was treated across three different hospitals, exacerbating his struggle against multiple infections, ultimately leading to five instances of sepsis. This chaotic treatment pattern contrasts sharply with scenarios like the Afghanistan conflict, where patients would typically be stabilized in the field before being airlifted to specialized care in Europe.
With unprecedented numbers of wounded individuals, Ukrainian hospitals are struggling to isolate patients with resistant infections. The antibiotics available to treat these infections are limited and costly, and over-prescribing can lead to faster adaptation by the bacteria, complicating future treatments.
"We have to strike a critical balance," Dr. Strokan noted, expressing the dilemma of treating patients while also considering the long-term implications of fostering further antimicrobial resistance. Bezverkhny's recovery involved expensive antibiotics sourced by volunteers from abroad, and though his life has been saved after a grueling year with over 100 surgeries, the challenges of combating resistant pathogens remain.
As Ukraine faces a health crisis deepened by conflict, the battle against drug-resistant infections emphasizes the dire needs and complex struggles of a healthcare system under immense strain.
