New Delhi: A recent report from the Indian Council of Medical Research (c) indicates that diseases such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), blood infections, pneumonia, and typhoid are becoming resistant to commonly used antibiotics. The findings come from the ICMR’s 2023 annual report on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which is based on data collected throughout the year. This report highlights a troubling increase in antibiotic resistance across India.
Key Findings from the Report
The ICMR’s AMR research and surveillance network analyzed 99,492 samples from both public and private healthcare facilities between January 1 and December 31, 2023. The study focused on common antibiotics used for treating various conditions, including upper respiratory infections, fevers, and bloodstream infections.
The report indicates a significant rise in antibiotic resistance and a decrease in the effectiveness of key antibiotics. It evaluated samples from different infections, such as blood, urine, and respiratory specimens, with contributions from 21 regional centers nationwide.
Increasing Resistance to Common Bacteria
The report reveals a concerning trend regarding common bacteria. E. coli, which is prevalent in both ICU and outpatient settings, demonstrated poor responsiveness to antibiotics like cefotaxime, ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, and levofloxacin, with susceptibility rates falling below 20 per cent. Similarly, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa also showed rising resistance, particularly against critical antibiotics such as piperacillin-tazobactam, imipenem, and meropenem.
The effectiveness of piperacillin-tazobactam, for instance, has declined from 56.8 per cent in 2017 to 42.4 per cent in 2023. Other widely used antibiotics like amikacin and meropenem are also becoming less effective in treating infections.
Concerns Over Misuse of Antibiotics
The report emphasizes the misuse of antibiotics, particularly in agriculture, which contributes to rising resistance. It urges for stronger regulations on antibiotic use to protect their effectiveness for both human and animal health.
ICMR researchers highlighted that bacteria responsible for gastroenteritis, such as Salmonella typhi, have developed over 95 per cent resistance to fluoroquinolones, a class of antibiotics commonly used for severe infections.
Call for Immediate Action
The ICMR report stresses the need for immediate action to tackle the growing threat of antibiotic resistance. “Continuous surveillance of antimicrobial susceptibilities is crucial for tailoring empiric antibiotic therapy, optimizing patient outcomes, and controlling the spread of resistance,” the report states.
To address this escalating issue, experts call for comprehensive strategies to safeguard the efficacy of essential antibiotics. The findings underscore the importance of public awareness and responsible antibiotic use to combat this public health challenge effectively.
