Patient story: Yira

Yira, 22 years old, has faced numerous health challenges from an early age due to Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects the connective tissue. A serious complication of her condition is a non-functional bladder that requires her to use a urinary catheter. Over the past three years, the frequent use of catheters, left her vulnerable to frequent urinary tract infections. “I suffered from around 20 urinary tract infections in the past three years, and each time I had to follow an antibiotic treatment to fight the infection,” Yira recalls. 

Nevertheless, each infection became more difficult to treat. Six months ago, Yira developed an infection caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae, a bacterium resistant to most of the commonly used antibiotics. The infection occurred shortly after a routine change of the catheter in the hospital and the doctors suspect that it was acquired during the procedure. 

“When the doctors discovered it, they found that the bacterium was resistant to almost every antibiotic,” Yira says. “There are only two antibiotics left that would work - one I’m allergic to, and the second one is meropenem, a last-resort antibiotic that must be given intravenously. Because it is my last option for treatment, the doctors decided not to use for the moment unless my condition deteriorates, and I get fever.” 

This multidrug-resistant infection left Yira in constant pain and the infection impacts nearly every aspect of her life. She lost significant weight and had to reduce participation in college and sports, things that she adores. “I used to find so much energy and joy in sports, like tennis. Now, with fatigue and pain, it is increasingly difficult for me to keep up. I cannot even attend college full-time,” Yira says. 

Yira’s situation created a domino effect on her health. “Due to repeated infections, all the other conditions are worsening. Everything gets increasingly difficult.” Her dreams to complete the final year of college feel uncertain. “I do not know if I will be able to graduate or work after college. Everything is very uncertain now.” 

The emotional burden extends also to those surrounding her. “My friends and family feel helpless,” Yira observes. “They want to help me but there is little they can do.” Even simple daily activities, like going out, require a careful planning and consideration of all her medical needs. “I have to constantly think if I have all the necessary supplies, if I took my medications, these things are constantly on my mind.” 

Currently, Yira is following a treatment with a combination of antibiotics. However, with limited treatment options left, she knows that if the infection worsens, she will need the more aggressive treatment. “The doctors say that I might need to start treatment with the last-resort intravenous antibiotic, but I try to delay this as much as possible,” she says. 

Yira’s experience underscores the dangers of antibiotic resistance. Her message to others is clear: "If you're healthy, use antibiotics only when prescribed by your doctor," she advises. "Only when absolutely necessary. Do not take antibiotics for a simple flu or cold. And if you take antibiotics, take them as prescribed with the correct dose and intervals, and finish the entire course as prescribed, because misuse of antibiotics makes bacteria more resistant."

Reflecting on her condition, Yira says: “Even if I never abused of antibiotics, I live with the consequences of antibiotic resistance. It can affect everyone.” Her story is a powerful reminder of how serious antibiotic resistance can be, affecting not only those who misuse antibiotics but also those that rely on them for serious conditions.