Why in News?

Ahead of the September 26 UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the World Health Organization (WHO) has released new guidelines on antibiotic pollution from manufacturing. Antimicrobial Resistance explained for UPSC WHO’s TAKE
  • The WHO warns that AMR, driven by antibiotic pollution, could threaten the effectiveness of antibiotics worldwide.
  • AMR is a serious issue affecting healthcare globally.
  • It leads to the creation of “superbugs”—bacteria that are resistant to common antibiotics.
  • This situation is particularly challenging for patients with multiple health issues.
  • In India, a recent survey by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) shows that AMR is increasing despite consistent monitoring efforts.

WHAT IS AMR?

  • AMR occurs when bacteria and other microbes evolve to survive even when treated with antimicrobial drugs like antibiotics.
  • This usually happens due to misuse or overuse of these drugs.
  • When antibiotics are overused, it can lead to the development of superbugs.
  • These are bacteria that do not respond to common treatments and can spread through hospitals, water, or sewage.
  • This makes treating simple infections difficult, often requiring hospital admission and leading to more complex and costly treatments.

WHY IS AMR INCREASING?

  • Individual Practices:
    • Misuse of Antibiotics: Many people take antibiotics for viral infections like the flu, where they are ineffective. This misuse promotes resistance.
    • Self-Medication: People often use antibiotics without a prescription or advice, increasing resistance risks.
  • Healthcare Practices:
    • Overuse in Hospitals: High rates of antibiotic prescriptions, including for non-infectious conditions, contribute to Broad-spectrum antibiotics, which target a wide range of bacteria, are often overused.
  • Lack of Diagnostics:
    • Empirical Prescribing: Doctors sometimes prescribe antibiotics based on symptoms rather than diagnostic tests, leading to inappropriate use of broad-spectrum drugs.
  • Pharmaceutical Pollution:
    • Manufacturing Waste: The WHO's recent guidance highlights the role of antibiotic pollution from manufacturing. Pharmaceutical waste can contribute to AMR by promoting the development of resistant bacteria.

WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE?

  • Prevention:
    • Hygiene and Sanitation: Implementing rigorous hygiene practices and improving sanitation can reduce infection rates.
    • Vaccination: Encouraging vaccination can prevent infections and reduce the need for antibiotics.
    • For example, pneumococcal and influenza vaccines can prevent diseases that may otherwise lead to antibiotic use.
  • Education:
    • Healthcare Professionals: Training doctors to use antibiotics appropriately, reserving strong antibiotics for severe infections, and relying on diagnostic tests can help reduce resistance.
    • Public Awareness: Educating the public about the dangers of antibiotic misuse and the importance of completing prescribed courses.
  • Regulation and Monitoring:
    • Pharmaceutical Regulations: Strengthening regulations on pharmaceutical waste management to control antibiotic pollution and prevent the spread of resistant bacteria.
    • Surveillance: Ongoing monitoring and research to track resistance patterns and adapt strategies accordingly.
  • Research:
    • Pathways of Resistance: Investigating how resistance develops from manufacturing processes and implementing regulations to address these issues.