Misuse and Overuse Could Lead to Bacteria’s Resistance to Antibiotics

Newsreel Asia Insight #92
Jan. 03, 2024

A new government report on the use of antibiotics in India, highlighting its potential to foster “antimicrobial resistance,” or AMR. This condition arises when bacteria evolve, developing resistance to antibiotics, presenting a substantial threat to human health.

The  study, conducted by the National Centre for Disease Control and released on Jan. 2, reveals that over half of the antibiotics prescribed in India are likely to contribute to this resistance, as reported by ThePrint.

Covering 20 healthcare sites across India, the study found that a high percentage of patients were prescribed antibiotics. More concerning is the type of antibiotics used. There are different categories, but the focus here is on the “watch” group.

Access group antibiotics are used to treat a wide range of common infections and are generally safer, with fewer side effects. Think of them as the first choice or go-to antibiotics. However, watch group antibiotics are stronger and used for more serious or specific types of infections. So, they come with a higher risk of leading to antibiotic resistance, which is when bacteria learn to fight off these drugs.

The report indicates that these “watch” group antibiotics are being prescribed more often than the safer “access” group.

Antibiotics are a cornerstone of modern medicine. They’re used to treat everything from a simple wound infection to more serious conditions like pneumonia. When these drugs become less effective, treating even common ailments becomes harder, riskier and more expensive. It’s a reality we could face if antibiotic resistance continues to rise.

One of the key findings of the study is the way antibiotics are prescribed. Often, they are given for preventive purposes, especially in surgeries. However, the report notes that in many cases, these drugs are used for longer than necessary.

This overuse is one of the main drivers of resistance. The situation is serious, but not without solutions.

Surprisingly, only eight out of the 20 sites surveyed had a clear policy on antibiotic use, the study says. This needs to change.

The World Health Organization has flagged antibiotic resistance as one of the top 10 threats to global health. However, in a country like India, with its vast population and diverse healthcare challenges, the impact could be more pronounced.

This is not the first instance of a warning being issued in India regarding antibiotic use. A study published by the U.S. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) in July 2023 echoed this sentiment.

“The emergence and rapid spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) pose a grave threat to public health globally, and particularly so in India,” said the study, called “The Challenge of Antimicrobial Resistance in the Indian Healthcare System.”

“With its unique combination of a dense population, a significant disease burden, and diverse healthcare practices, India stands at a critical juncture in the global battle against AMR,” it explained. “The implications of this escalating crisis are far-reaching, threatening decades of medical progress, undermining healthcare delivery, and posing potential roadblocks to the realization of several Sustainable Development Goals.”

One of the most significant drivers of AMR, according to this study, is the misuse and overuse of antibiotics. “In India, antibiotics can often be obtained without a prescription, leading to their widespread and often unnecessary use.”

Both doctors and patients need to understand the risks of overusing antibiotics. For instance, using these drugs for viral infections like the common cold (where they are ineffective) contributes to the problem.

“Addressing the challenge of AMR in India requires a comprehensive, multifaceted, and well-coordinated response,” said the NCBI study. “From creating strong regulatory frameworks for antibiotic usage and improving diagnostic capabilities to fostering greater public awareness and promoting research into new antimicrobials, the strategies need to be as diverse and interconnected as the problem itself.”

While policy and healthcare practices are crucial, ordinary citizens like us can start by using antibiotics only when necessary and following the prescribed course to the letter. It’s also important to maintain good hygiene practices to reduce the risk of infections.