In the global context of the increasing complexity of infectious diseases, Spain faces a unique challenge: it is the only country in the European Union that has not yet recognized the medical specialty of infectious diseases. According to Spanish Society for Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC)This deficiency limits the health system’s ability to successfully address emerging issues, such as the increased pandemic potential of H5N1 bird flu or the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
“Specific and complete training of specialists in this area is not only a logical progression, but an urgent need to improve clinical outcomes”
Federico Garcia, president of SEIMC
Federico García, President of SEIMCemphasizes it “Specific and comprehensive training of specialists in this area is not only a logical progression, but an urgent need to improve clinical outcomes and counter antimicrobial resistance.” Specialization would not only enable a better response to complex challenges, but would also reduce inequalities in access to advanced treatment as well as increase the effectiveness of prevention strategies.
Supervision and prevention
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has highlighted the importance of robust epidemiological surveillance systems. SEIMC promotes the incorporation of advanced tools for rapid diagnosis and acceptance One healthwhich considers the interactions between human, animal and environmental health to stop zoonoses and prevent future pandemics. Francisco Javier Membrillo, vice president of SEIMC, emphasizes this “Prediction is critical to mitigating the risks of unknown diseases, such as so-called Disease X, which could have a devastating global impact.”
“Early detection of pathogens is critical to limiting transmission and reducing inequities in access to health care.”
Fran Franco-Álvarez de LunaSEIMC
Furthermore, infections associated with extreme weather events, such as those caused by DANA (isolated depression at high levels)require immediate strengthening of surveillance and preparedness to limit its increasing incidence. Andalusia and Extremadura, regions with high climatic vulnerability, represent potential sources of new infections transmitted by vectors such as mosquitoes.
On the other hand, active surveillance must be accompanied by vaccination and research strategies, especially against emerging and re-emerging diseases. Continuous updating of health care personnel is essential to prevent the spread of resistant pathogens.
Microbiological services 24×7
Another highlight is the need for 24/7 microbiology services. These services enable faster diagnosis, optimize antibiotic use and improve patient care at any time. According to Franco-Álvarez de Luna, these measures not only enhance public health equity, but also offer “an effective response to epidemiological crises that require immediate action.”
Strengthening 24×7 services could be decisive against diseases such as bird flu
Continuous access to state-of-the-art technologies such as mass spectrometry and advanced molecular diagnostics is revolutionizing clinical microbiology. The integration of these tools significantly shortens the time of diagnosis and thus the mortality in serious infections. These improvements also enable faster and more accurate identification of antimicrobial resistance, a problem that is increasingly affecting global health systems.
In addition, strengthening 24×7 services could be decisive against diseases such as bird flu, which pose a risk of transmission between mammals. Early detection could prevent the spread of these infections and mitigate their health and social impacts. Widespread implementation of these services is therefore a priority for SEIMC in its efforts to fill gaps in the treatment of infectious diseases.
