Rising Antimicrobial Resistance

According to a latest Lancet study 60 per cent of the 29.9 lakh sepsis deaths in India in 2019 were caused by bacterial infection.

The Lancet predicts over 39 million global deaths from antibiotic-resistant infections by 2050.

Key Points

Antimicrobial Resistance: AMR occurs when bacteria and parasites become resistant to treatments, complicating recovery.
AMR-Linked Deaths: 33.4% of sepsis deaths in India in 2019 were linked to bacterial AMR, totaling 10.4 lakh deaths.
Pathogens in India: The most common resistant pathogens in India are E.coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Acinetobacter baumannii.
Improper Antibiotic Use: AMR is driven by overuse and improper use of antibiotics without proper diagnostics.
Children at Risk: 3.25 lakh sepsis deaths in children under five in India in 2019 were linked to bacterial infections.
MRSA Impact: Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) caused 130,000 deaths globally in 2021, more than double from 1990.
Government Action: India is investing in lab infrastructure and mandating culture facilities in district hospitals for proper antibiotic use.
Infection Control: Experts stress the need for infection control, better diagnostics, and rational antibiotic use.
Industry Impact: AMR is worsened by antibiotic use in industries like aquaculture, contributing to resistance in humans.
Future Solutions: New antibiotics, infection control measures, and public reporting of infections are crucial to combat AMR.
Healthcare Reporting: Mandatory public reporting of healthcare-associated infections is vital for transparency and combating AMR.