Global Study Warns Antibiotic Resistance Is Rising in Children
22 Jul 2026
Researchers analysed data from 106,581 children aged 0 to 18 years collected between 2004 and 2022 across 82 countries. The study found antibiotic resistance increased in every region included in the research.
The rise was mainly linked to Gram-negative bacteria, which can cause serious illnesses such as sepsis, pneumonia and urinary tract infections.
The study also found resistance is growing fastest against antibiotics in the World Health Organization's Watch and Reserve categories. These medicines are often used when standard antibiotics are no longer effective, making the trend a significant concern for treating severe infections.
To support ongoing monitoring, the research team has launched an online platform that tracks antibiotic resistance by country, bacteria and antibiotic type. The tool also includes forecasts to 2035 to help identify future risks and support public health planning.
Researchers warned that bacteria including Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella are becoming increasingly resistant, raising concerns that some infections may become more difficult to treat with existing medicines.
Murdoch Children's Research Institute Associate Professor Penelope Bryant said stronger surveillance and improved access to effective antibiotics are needed worldwide.
She said low-income countries would benefit from better infection control, improved sanitation, greater access to diagnostic testing and reliable supplies of first-line antibiotics. In higher-income countries, reducing unnecessary antibiotic use across healthcare, agriculture and veterinary settings remains an important priority.
She also highlighted the need for child-friendly antibiotic formulations, clearer prescribing guidance and more research into reducing unnecessary antibiotic use safely.
A separate study published in The Lancet Public Health found many countries are using more antibiotics than expected and rely heavily on the WHO's Watch group of antibiotics, which are more likely to contribute to antimicrobial resistance.
Professor Mark Morgan, Chair of the RACGP Expert Committee – Quality Care, said increasing resistance could affect many areas of healthcare in the future, including routine surgery and cancer treatment.
He noted that while antibiotic use in Australia remains lower than a decade ago, prescribing has increased in recent years. He said using antibiotics only when clinically appropriate and improving national prescribing data will help strengthen antimicrobial stewardship and slow the spread of resistance.
Global Study Warns Antibiotic Resistance Is Rising in Children
Source: JAMA Pediatrics, Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI), RACGP newsGP