10-January-2024-Editorial

THE CHALLENGE OF ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE

The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) recently conducted a survey shedding light on antibiotic prescription and use in hospitals amid rising concerns about Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). AMR poses a threat to global health, making infections harder to treat and increasing healthcare costs.

Key Findings:

Preventative Use of Antibiotics

• 55% of surveyed patients received antibiotics for preventative reasons, not for treating infections.
• 45% were prescribed antibiotics for therapeutic purposes.

Antibiotic Prescription Patterns:

• Only 6% received antibiotics after a confirmed diagnosis, while 94% were on empirical therapy.
• 94% received antibiotics before a definite diagnosis, indicating widespread use without precise knowledge of the infection.

Variation Among Hospitals:

• Wide variations in antibiotic prescription rates (37% to 100%) among hospitals.
• 5% of prescribed antibiotics were administered parenterally.

Drivers of AMR:

• Excessive and inappropriate antibiotic use identified as a significant driver for antibiotic resistance.

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR):

AMR is the resistance acquired by microorganisms against antimicrobial drugs, rendering standard treatments ineffective.

Reasons for Spread:

• High prevalence of communicable diseases.
• Overburdened public health system.
• Poor infection control practices.
• Injudicious use and easy access to antibiotics.
• Lack of awareness and limited surveillance.

Implications of AMR Spread:

Healthcare Impact:

• Renders antibiotics ineffective against bacterial infections.
• Complicates the treatment of common illnesses, leading to prolonged illnesses, severe symptoms, and increased mortality rates.

Increased Healthcare Costs:

• Requires more expensive and prolonged therapies, leading to higher costs.

Challenges in Medical Procedures:

• Makes medical procedures riskier due to the increased risk of infections resistant to standard antibiotics.

Limitations in Treatment Options:

• Diminishes the available arsenal of effective antibiotics, leading to untreatable infections.

Measures Taken to Address AMR:

Indian Initiatives:

• National Programme on AMR containment.
• National Action Plan on AMR.
• AMR Surveillance and Research Network (AMRSN).
• Antibiotic Stewardship Program.
• Regulation of antibiotic sales.

Global Measures:

• World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW).
• Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS).
• Global Point Prevalence Survey Methodology.

Way Forward:

• Public Education Campaigns: Raise awareness about AMR through mass media and community outreach programs.
• Antibiotic Stewardship Programs: Implement programs in hospitals to optimize antibiotic use.
• Regulation of Antibiotic Sales: Enforce stricter regulations on over-the-counter antibiotic sales.
• Expand AMR Surveillance: Establish a nationwide surveillance system to track resistant bacteria.
• Develop New Technologies: Explore innovative technologies like phage therapy.

 Conclusion:

Addressing AMR requires a multi-pronged approach involving public education, strict regulations, surveillance, and the development of new technologies. The collaboration of nations and global initiatives is crucial to mitigate the impact of AMR on public health.