We often listen to the conversations where one of the family members is suffering from viral flu and they are sold antibiotics for the treatment of viral flu. Which in itself is the irony. As antibiotics work against the Bacterial infections and not Viral infections.
Apart from this it is a very common occurrence where it is considered sharing medicines or antibiotics an Act of Care. Ignoring the fact that this in the long term can even be fatal due to the Anti Microbial Resistance.
In this blog we will learn about all the nuances of Anti Microbial Resistance from the UPSC CSE perspective.
Recent Context:
The World Health Organization published its first-ever guidance on antibiotic pollution from manufacturing ahead of the UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on antimicrobial resistance.
What is Anti Microbial Resistance?
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the ability of microorganisms (such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites) to resist the effects of medications that were once effective in treating infections caused by them.
This resistance occurs when microbes evolve mechanisms to survive the drugs that are intended to kill them or stop their growth. As a result, standard treatments become ineffective, infections persist, and the risk of spread to others increases. This results in formation of Superbugs – on which multiple lines of drugs/antibiotics are ineffective.
These Superbugs can circulate in hospitals, through drinking water, or sewers. Infections caused by these pathogens will not respond to commonly prescribed antibiotics.
Key Causes of AMR:
Overuse of antibiotics: Excessive and inappropriate use of antibiotics in humans, animals, and agriculture can lead to the development of resistance.
Incomplete treatment: Stopping medication before completing the prescribed course can leave surviving microbes that are resistant.
Poor infection prevention and control: Inadequate hygiene and infection control measures can spread resistant strains.
Lack of new drugs: Fewer new antibiotics are being developed, making it harder to treat resistant infections.
Indiscriminate use of broad spectrum Drugs: There is tendency of doctors to prescribe broad spectrum Drugs even for the treatment of minor infections. Which in result makes them ineffective or resistant against the required treatment in future.( When actually needed).
Manufacturing and Sewage plants: The WHO’s guidelines on antibiotic pollution from manufacturing released recently,provides guidance on wastewater and solid waste management for antibiotic manufacturing facilities. Despite the high levels of antibiotic pollution that have been widely documented, the issue is largely unregulated
Consequences of AMR:
Increased mortality and morbidity: Infections that are resistant to treatment can result in prolonged illness or death.
Longer hospital stays: Resistant infections often require more extended hospital stays and more intensive care.
Economic burden: Treating resistant infections is often more expensive due to the need for more expensive drugs, longer treatment times, and additional care.
Global health threat: AMR can spread across borders, making it a worldwide public health challenge.
Steps to Combat AMR:
Rational use of antibiotics: Ensuring antibiotics are used only when necessary and in the correct dosage.
Strengthening infection prevention: Improved hygiene, vaccination, and sanitation in healthcare and community settings can reduce the spread of resistant infections.
Global surveillance and reporting: Monitoring antibiotic use and resistance patterns helps inform strategies and responses.
Research and development: Encouraging innovation and the development of new antimicrobial agents and alternatives to antibiotics is crucial.
Global Efforts:
Organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and governments around the world are prioritizing AMR.
Initiatives like the Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance aim to raise awareness, improve antibiotic use, and enhance infection prevention measures.
Government Initiatives to Prevent Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR):
The Indian government has implemented several initiatives to combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Here are some key programs and strategies:
1. National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP-AMR):
– Comprehensive Approach: This plan outlines a comprehensive framework to address AMR across various sectors, including human health, animal health, and agriculture.
–Multi-Sectoral Collaboration: It involves collaboration between the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Department of Biotechnology, the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, and other relevant agencies.
–Surveillance and Monitoring: The plan emphasizes the importance of surveillance and monitoring to track AMR trends and inform policy decisions.
2. Antibiotic Stewardship Programs:
–Promoting Appropriate Use: These programs aim to promote the appropriate use of antibiotics in healthcare settings.
–Education and Training: They involve training healthcare professionals on antibiotic prescribing practices and infection prevention and control measures.
–Guidelines and Protocols: They develop guidelines and protocols for antibiotic use to ensure they are used only when necessary and in appropriate doses.
3. National AMR Surveillance Network:
–Data Collection: This network collects data on AMR patterns, antibiotic usage, and the prevalence of resistant pathogens.
– Early Detection: It helps identify emerging threats and inform public health responses.
–Research and Development: The data can also support research and development of new antibiotics and diagnostic tools.
These are few of the government initiatives aiming at countering the Anti Microbial Resistance in the country.
AMR represents a significant challenge for modern medicine, tackling which requires urgent global coordination and action.
Source:
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-health/the-grave-threat-from-amr-9561108/