UTIs, Typhoid, Pneumonia Not Responding to Antibiotics: ICMR

India is witnessing a troubling rise in antibiotic resistance, as highlighted in the latest report by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Diseases such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), blood infections, pneumonia, and typhoid are becoming more difficult to treat, as the bacteria responsible for these diseases are no longer responding to commonly used antibiotics.

ICMR’s Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network (AMRSN) report focused on the declining effectiveness of essential antibiotics like piperacillin-tazobactam, imipenem, and meropenem. The report shows that the effectiveness of piperacillin-tazobactam, which was 56.8% in 2017, dropped to just 42.4% in 2023.

The research covered bacteria such as E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which were collected from various body samples, including blood, urine, and respiratory infections. E. coli, particularly, showed increased resistance in both ICU and outpatient settings, with many antibiotics being less than 20% effective.

The most concerning development involves gram-negative bacteria, commonly found in vital samples such as blood, urine, and lungs, which have shown a high level of resistance. Bacteria like Salmonella typhi, which causes gastroenteritis, have developed over 95% resistance to fluoroquinolones, a class of antibiotics widely used for treating severe infections.

“Continuous monitoring of antimicrobial susceptibilities is essential for adjusting antibiotic therapies, optimizing patient outcomes, and controlling resistance spread,” the report stated.

The report also raised concerns about the misuse of critical antibiotics in agriculture, which exacerbates the problem of resistance. Urgent measures are required to ensure the preservation of these essential antibiotics for both human and animal health.

This growing threat of antibiotic resistance underscores the need for immediate and coordinated action to safeguard public health.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

See Full Bio