2024-11-15 14:00:00
A medical biology technician from Limoges University Hospital observes a bacterial colony, October 4, 2024. THIERRY LAPORTE FOR “LE MONDE”
On Marie-Cécile Ploy’s jacket, a pin represents two intertwined hearts, one white and one red, symbol of the fight against antibiotic resistance: assembled, they form antibiotic capsules. As World Antibiotic Resistance Prevention Day approaches, November 18, the director of the Resinfit laboratory at the University of Limoges still has in mind the testimonies she heard at the UN in New York, a few days ago. Those of women and men whose injuries, sometimes minor, caused infections that could have proved fatal. The cause: the resistance of bacteria to the antibiotics administered to them. They came to testify as survivors of a silent epidemic, responsible for 1.3 million deaths each year worldwide.
Marie-Cécile Ploy, head of the bacteriology, virology and hygiene department at Limoges University Hospital, October 4, 2024. THIERRY LAPORTE FOR “LE MONDE”
At the end of this meeting on antibiotic resistance, UN member states adopted a political declaration and 48 actions. With the objective of strengthening the fight against antibiotic resistance, around the closely linked issues of human, animal and environmental health.
“One health”
A true revolution in the 1940s, widely distributed in the 1970s, antibiotics made it possible to control bacterial infections. But their massive use has also favored the development of antibiotic resistance, i.e. the resistance of certain bacteria to these drugs. And if the use of antibiotics fell significantly during the Covid-19 crisis, the early return of common seasonal epidemics after the pandemic has led to a 14% increase in the consumption of these products since 2022.
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The “One Health” approach or “One health, one planet” promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO) since 2015 is one of the recommendations to combat antibiotic resistance. “One Health means that man does not exist alone, but with his environment”, summarizes Marie-Cécile Ploy. Interactions between humans, animals and the environment are at the heart of the work of its research unit, certified Inserm (National Institute of Health and Medical Research) since 2012. Objective: “Understanding how bacteria acquire resistance to treatments, from the mechanisms of acquisition to the development of diagnostics and therapeutic monitoring”she explains.
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What are the key actions outlined in the UN political declaration addressing antibiotic resistance?
**Interview with Marie-Cécile Ploy: Tackling the Global Challenge of Antibiotic Resistance**
**Editor:** Good afternoon, Marie-Cécile. Thank you for joining us. As we approach World Antibiotic Resistance Prevention Day, can you share some insights about the current state of antibiotic resistance, especially after your recent experiences at the UN?
**Marie-Cécile Ploy:** Thank you for having me. The current state of antibiotic resistance is alarming. At the UN, I heard firsthand from individuals who survived infections that, if untreated due to antibiotic resistance, could have been fatal. These testimonies highlight the urgent need for awareness and action, as antibiotic resistance is responsible for approximately 1.3 million deaths each year globally.
**Editor:** That’s indeed sobering. You mentioned a political declaration adopted by UN member states. What are some of the key actions outlined in this declaration?
**Marie-Cécile Ploy:** The declaration includes 48 actionable items aimed at strengthening our response to antibiotic resistance. These actions emphasize a One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. It encourages better stewardship of antibiotics, increased research and development of new treatments, and enhanced surveillance of antibiotic use and resistance patterns.
**Editor:** What role does your laboratory at the University of Limoges play in this fight against antibiotic resistance?
**Marie-Cécile Ploy:** Our laboratory is at the forefront of research on bacteriology and virology. We conduct studies to understand how bacteria develop resistance and explore alternative treatments. Additionally, we engage in public health initiatives to educate healthcare providers and the community about responsible antibiotic use.
**Editor:** Given the increasing resistance to antibiotics, what preventive measures can individuals take to protect themselves and their communities?
**Marie-Cécile Ploy:** Individuals can play an important role by only using antibiotics when prescribed by a healthcare professional and completing the entire course of treatment. Additionally, practicing good hygiene, such as regular hand washing and vaccination, can help prevent infections in the first place, reducing the need for antibiotics.
**Editor:** As a final thought, what message would you like to convey on World Antibiotic Resistance Prevention Day?
**Marie-Cécile Ploy:** I urge everyone to recognize antibiotic resistance as a critical health challenge that affects us all. Together, through informed behavior and collective action, we can combat this silent epidemic. Let’s work towards a future where antibiotics remain effective for generations to come.
**Editor:** Thank you very much, Marie-Cécile. Your work and insights are incredibly valuable in spreading awareness about this vital issue.
