Antibiotic Prescriptions Surge in Berlin and Brandenburg, Raising Concerns
The number of antibiotic prescriptions in Berlin and Brandenburg has witnessed a significant increase in 2023. According to an analysis conducted by the Scientific Institute of AOK, physicians in Berlin issued approximately 1.2 million prescriptions for such medications, equivalent to 362 prescriptions per 1,000 insured individuals. This represents a rise of nearly 24% compared to 2022, when the rate was 293 prescriptions per 1,000.
Similarly, in Brandenburg, around 780,000 antibiotic prescriptions were issued in 2023, corresponding to 337 prescriptions per 1,000 insured individuals. This translates to an increase of approximately 19% from 283 prescriptions per 1,000 in 2022.
Despite the uptrend, Berlin and Brandenburg still rank below the national average in antibiotic prescriptions. Across Germany, the average prescription rate in 2023 was 486 per 1,000 GKV-insured individuals. The highest rate was observed in the state of Saarland, with 539 prescriptions per 1,000 GKV-insured individuals.
While antibiotic prescriptions had been declining nationwide since 2014, they have been on the rise again since 2022.
Reserve Antibiotics: A Cause for Concern
The analysis also revealed that nearly half of all antibiotic prescriptions in Berlin and Brandenburg in 2023 were for so-called reserve antibiotics (Berlin: 42%, Brandenburg: 49%). These drugs are typically reserved for infections caused by bacteria that have become resistant to common antibiotics.
According to the institute, reserve antibiotics represent one of the last remaining treatment options and are employed when it is crucial to initiate therapy for severe, potentially life-threatening infections before the causative pathogen can be identified. They are used, for instance, to treat sepsis or chronic pneumonia.
"Indiscriminate use of reserve antibiotics in outpatient care can lead to bacterial resistance and, consequently, reduced effectiveness of antibiotic therapies in the future," explained pharmacist Julia Goldmann of AOK Nordost. This poses significant challenges in treating severe infections.
"In the worst case, we could reach a point where no effective treatment options are available for infections caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens," she added.
Reasons behind the Increase
The reasons behind the increase in antibiotic prescriptions are multifaceted. One possible explanation is the surge in respiratory infections, such as influenza and COVID-19, which may have prompted physicians to prescribe more antibiotics. Additionally, the relaxation of pandemic-related restrictions could have led to increased social interactions and, consequently, greater exposure to pathogens.
Strategies to Combat Antibiotic Resistance
Combating the rise in antibiotic resistance requires a multifaceted approach involving healthcare professionals, patients, and policymakers.
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Prudent Antibiotic Prescribing: Physicians should adhere to antibiotic stewardship guidelines and prescribe antibiotics only when appropriate.
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Patient Education: Patients should be informed about the responsible use of antibiotics and the risks associated with their overuse.
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Surveillance and Monitoring: Robust surveillance systems are essential to track antibiotic usage and identify areas where targeted interventions are needed.
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Investment in Research and Development: Continuous investment in research and development is crucial to discover new antibiotics and combat the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.
By implementing these measures, we can help preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics and ensure that they remain viable treatment options for future generations.
