Infections becoming untreatable as antibiotic resistance rises around the world

Drug-resistant diseases could cause 10 million deaths each year by 2050, warned the UN Ad Hoc Interagency Coordinating Group on Antimicrobial Resistance in a report released recently. It added that by 2030, antimicrobial resistance could force up to 24 million people into extreme poverty. Currently, at least 7,00,000 people die each year due to drug-resistant diseases, including 2,30,000 people who die from multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.

The report has also noted that more and more common diseases, including respiratory tract infections, sexually transmitted infections and urinary tract infections, are becoming untreatable; lifesaving medical procedures are becoming riskier, and food systems are getting increasingly precarious.

Speaking about this, Dr KK Aggarwal, President, Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI), said, “Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern and its impact on patients and communities is known to us all. This is a public health problem, one which is rapidly spreading across the globe, with not enough resources to control it. It has made it harder for us to treat many infections such as typhoid, pneumonia, tuberculosis. Antibiotic resistance prolongs hospitalisation, increased cost of treatment and increases the risk of death. Several studies have corroborated its adverse impact on health. Doctors as well as patients should be aware about and advocate judicious use of antibiotics. Over prescription and self-prescription, both, need to be checked.”

The report noted that the world is already feeling the economic and health consequences as crucial medicines become ineffective. Without investment from countries in all income brackets, future generations will face the disastrous impacts of uncontrolled antimicrobial resistance.

Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, “One of the biggest reasons for the misuse of antibiotics is buying them over the counter without consultation with a doctor. Before prescribing antibiotic, always ask yourself: Is it necessary? What is the most effective antibiotic? What is the most affordable antibiotic? What is the most effective dose? What is the most effective duration for which the antibiotic should be administered?”

Some tips from HCFI

•  Practice rational use of antibiotics
• Use when needed and according to guidelines
• Avoid broad spectrum antibiotics without appropriate diagnosis
• Prevent infections with the use of vaccination and by improving basic hygiene including hand hygiene and infection control techniques and sanitation in healthcare settings as well as in the community
• Farmers and food industry must stop using antibiotics routinely to promote growth and prevent disease in healthy animals to prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance