Common infections like UTI and Typhoid resist antibiotics, warns ICMR

A recent report from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) highlights a concerning trend: infections such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), pneumonia, typhoid, and blood infections are increasingly resistant to common antibiotics. The ICMR's Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network (AMRSN) revealed that many bacterial strains are no longer responding effectively to traditional treatments, posing a significant public health challenge.

The findings stem from data collected between January 1 and December 31, 2023, from hospitals and clinics across India, analyzing a staggering 99,492 samples. The report focused on critical bacteria like E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with alarming results showing that the effectiveness of key antibiotics has dramatically declined. For instance, E. coli resistance rates were particularly pronounced in intensive care units, with antibiotics like cefotaxime and ciprofloxacin proving effective less than 20% of the time.

One of the most troubling statistics is the resistance of Salmonella typhi, which has surpassed 95% against fluoroquinolones, traditionally used to combat severe infections. The report also noted that piperacillin-tazobactam's effectiveness plummeted from 56.8% in 2017 to 42.4% in 2023, indicating a troubling trend that could have severe implications for treatment options in the future.

ICMR researchers emphasize the necessity for continuous surveillance of antimicrobial susceptibilities to improve treatment protocols and curb the spread of resistance. The report calls for urgent action, highlighting the need for stricter regulations on antibiotic use in both healthcare and agriculture, where misuse is contributing to this crisis.

To address the rising threat of antibiotic resistance, experts urge policymakers to implement robust measures that preserve the efficacy of essential antibiotics, ensuring they remain effective for both human and animal health.