Abstract

ESKAPE PATHOGENS. AN EMERGING PUBLIC HEALTH THREAT

Alicia Armentia, María San Miguel, Angel San Miguel*, Sara Martín, Blanca Martín and Julia San Miguel

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Abstract

ESKAPE pathogens are a group of pathogenic bacteria that pose a significant threat to public health. The term ESKAPE refers to the following bacteria: Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter spp. These bacteria are characterized by their ability to evade conventional treatments and their resistance to multiple drugs, making them difficult to control and treat. In addition, they have other characteristics that contribute to their virulence, such as the ability to form biofilms and transfer resistance genes to other microorganisms. Infections caused by ESKAPE pathogens have a significant impact on public health. They increase morbidity and mortality, especially in patients with compromised immune systems. These bacteria are also a major cause of nosocomial infections, prolonging hospitalizations and increasing healthcare costs. Antimicrobial resistance in ESKAPE pathogens is a serious problem, limiting treatment options and making infection control difficult. These bacteria have the ability to acquire and transfer resistance genes, contributing to the spread of antimicrobial resistance globally. To deal with this problem, effective control and prevention strategies must be implemented. This includes the proper use of antibiotics, promotion of hand hygiene and infection control, identification and isolation of cases, promotion of research and development of new antimicrobials, public education and surveillance of the antimicrobial resistance. They represent an emerging threat to public health due to their antimicrobial resistance and their ability to evade conventional treatments. The control of these microorganisms requires globally coordinated action and a comprehensive approach that includes prevention measures, development of new antimicrobials, and public awareness of the importance of responsible use of antibiotics. We delve into the characteristics of these microorganisms, their antimicrobial resistance, their impact on public health and the necessary strategies to deal with this growing threat. The understanding and approach of these microorganisms is essential to guarantee a future in which antibiotics continue to be effective in the treatment of infections and to preserve the health of the world population.

Keywords: ESKAPE pathogens, Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter spp., antibiotic resistance.