Antimicrobial Resistance in India: The Alarming Rise and Potential Solutions – ICMR

While the ICMR's study paints a concerning picture of the current state of antimicrobial resistance in India, it also offers a glimmer of hope.

The Health Master

September 24, 2023

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ICMR Indian Council of Medical Research — ICMR

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Last Updated on January 14, 2024 by The Health Master

Antimicrobial Resistance

In a recent study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), concerning revelations about antimicrobial resistance have emerged, painting a grim picture of healthcare in India.

The abuse and overuse of antimicrobials, including antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals, have led to widespread resistance to these drugs within the community.

This phenomenon poses a significant threat to public health, making once-effective treatments like carbapenem ineffective for a large portion of the sickest patients.

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The Study’s Findings: A Closer Look:

Hospital Data Analysis:

ICMR meticulously gathered data from 21 tertiary-level hospitals across India, including renowned establishments like BMC-run LTMG Hospital in Sion and Hinduja Hospital in Mahim.

The study spanned from January 1 to December 31, 2022, and analyzed around 1 lakh culture isolates from ICU patients.

Identifying Pathogens:

Among these isolates, a staggering 1,747 pathogens were identified.

The notorious bacterium E. coli emerged as the most common offender, followed closely by Klebsiella pneumoniae, another formidable bacterium.

Efficacy of Carbapenem:

Disturbingly, the report reveals a stark decline in the effectiveness of carbapenem, once a reliable antibiotic for treating pneumonia and septicemia.

In 2017, eight out of ten patients with drug-resistant E. coli infections responded to carbapenems.

However, in 2022, this number plummeted to just six out of ten.

The situation was even graver for infections caused by drug-resistant strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae, with only four out of ten patients finding relief from carbapenem.

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Insights and Concerns:

Unique Resistance Mechanism:

Dr. Kamini Walia, a senior ICM scientist and the lead author of the study, sheds light on a unique phenomenon discovered in Indian superbugs.

The study unveiled the prevalence of NDM (New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase) in isolates of multi-drug-resistant pseudomonas.

This revelation holds promise for the tailored development of new antibiotics to combat Indian-specific strains.

Role of Broad-Spectrum Antibiotics:

Doctors express grave concerns regarding the indiscriminate use and prescription of broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Even commonly used drugs for conditions like diarrhea, such as norflox and oflox, are not as effective as they once were.

Dr. Walia emphasizes that the reckless usage of these drugs could lead to a rapid loss of their potency, rendering them ineffective in the long run.

Addressing the urgency:

Prescription Practices:

In Western healthcare systems, a resistance level between 10% and 20% is considered alarming. However, in India, doctors might still prescribe a medicine even in the face of 60% resistance levels.

Dr. Walia stresses the critical importance of doctors adopting a more cautious approach to antibiotic prescriptions.

These potent drugs should only be administered to patients when absolutely necessary to curb the alarming rise in antimicrobial resistance.

Conclusion:

While the ICMR’s study paints a concerning picture of the current state of antimicrobial resistance in India, it also offers a glimmer of hope.

By understanding the unique resistance mechanisms and adopting more stringent prescription practices, there’s a possibility of reclaiming the effectiveness of crucial antibiotics.

The battle against antimicrobial resistance is a critical one, demanding a collective effort from healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers alike.

Disclaimer: This article contains information derived from the source mentioned below. Our team utilized an AI language model to rewrite and present the news or article in a unique format.