Antibiotics are medicines that are used to treat an infection by killing the bacteria, destroying the wall of the bacteria, or preventing the bacteria from synthesising proteins. These medicines prevent the growth of the infection by preventing them from multiplying.
“While some antibiotics target specific bacteria which are also called narrow spectrum, others act against a broad range . Misuse of antibiotics, especially in viral infections, poses significant risks, including side effects and the development of antibiotic resistance,” said Dr Sanjith Saseedharan, Consultant and Head Critical Care, SL Raheja Hospital, Mahim.
The Dangers of Misuse in Common Ailments
“A concerning trend is the misuse of antibiotics, like Azithromycin, in treating common colds, primarily caused by viruses. Such practices not only fail to alter the course of the illness but also contribute to adverse effects such as diarrhoea, nausea, and skin rashes. Most critically, indiscriminate antibiotic use fuels the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, jeopardising effective treatment in severe infections,” said Dr Saseedharan.
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Multiple Sources of Antibiotic Resistance
Antibiotic resistance extends beyond healthcare, with the food animal industry playing a significant role. Uncontrolled antimicrobial use in agriculture contributes to the global menace. Additionally, untreated pharmaceutical waste from healthcare facilities and the release of hospital effluents into water bodies amplify the problem. Groundwater and surface water, essential for drinking and recreation, now harbour antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
The Alarming Scenario in India
A scoping report on antimicrobial resistance in India highlights a grave situation, with 70% of bacterial isolates resistant to Fluoroquinolones and third-generation Cephalosporins. Stricter regulations and comprehensive data collection are imperative to understand the extent of the issue.
Implementing Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs
To address the crisis, a nationwide Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) program is essential. While currently limited to large private hospitals, extending this initiative to healthcare and animal husbandry industries can regulate antibiotic use. Over-the-counter antibiotic sales without a prescription should be restricted, curbing unnecessary usage.
Efforts must be made to ensure the proper disposal of pharmaceutical waste and hospital effluents. Simultaneously, public education is crucial in raising awareness about the severity and consequences of antimicrobial resistance.
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A Global Approach for a Safer Future
Tackling antimicrobial resistance demands a united, global effort. A multidisciplinary and multisectoral approach involving various stakeholders is necessary. Urgent action is required to safeguard our living spaces and ensure a future where antibiotics remain effective against bacterial infections.
Consistent unbiased thorough collection of large-scale data to understand the severity of the problem is very important to understand the extent of the problem. A strong Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) program which is generally limited to large private hospitals should be mandated across the healthcare and the animal husbandry industry in order to regulate the use of antibiotics.
Restriction of the sale of over-the-counter antibiotics without the prescription of a doctor would help to reduce the use by the public for illnesses that may never require an antibiotic. Strong policies should be used to prevent hospitals and the pharmaceutical industries from ensuring safe disposal of antibiotics.