Superbug Threat is Real in Delhi!

Despite stubborn denial by Indian authorities on the presence of a superbug in Delhi called New Delhi Metallo-beta-lactamase 1 (NDMI 1), a study in leading city hospital has shown that it exists, and its levels are alarming. The study carried out in Sir Ganga Ram Hospital showed high prevalence of the superbug which is resistant to antibiotics. The purpose of the study was to find a solution for checking its spread.

According to Dr. Chand Wattal, senior consultant and chairman, department of clinical microbiology at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, presence of NDMI1 in the hospital does not get reported most of the time. The study of 10,889 samples of E Coli and isolates of K pneumonia, bacteria which carry the superbug, from various wards of the hospital showed that significant positive growth. These bacteria are common culprits in causing respiratory and lung infections.

NK Ganguly, former ICMR director general and chairman of the Immunology Foundation, was of the opinion that the purpose of the study was to confirm the prevalence of the bug and put an end to its denial once and for all. The focus should be on monitor the usage of antibiotics and put in place good methods of controlling infection. Since antibiotic consumption has increased in India between 2005 and 2009 by 40 percent, this study poses new challenges for medical and pharmaceutical establishments.