Authors
Dr. Benny PV, Chief Editor, IMA Kerala Medical Journal; Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Sree Gokulam Medical College, Kerala, India.
Abstract
Background: Antibiotic resistance (ABR) is a critical and immediate global public health threat, exacerbated by widespread misuse in humans and animals. This editorial highlights the current alarming state of ABR worldwide.
Problem: The world is rapidly approaching a “post-antibiotic era,” where common infections could become untreatable. Reports from the WHO reveal high resistance rates across various pathogens, including E. coli, K. pneumoniae, S. pneumoniae, and N. gonorrhoeae, with treatment failures for “last resort” antibiotics. Multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) also pose significant challenges. ABR increases mortality, healthcare costs, and has substantial negative economic impacts, while the development pipeline for new antibiotics remains virtually empty.
Recommendations: Combating ABR requires a multi-faceted, integrated approach. Key strategies include establishing global surveillance and monitoring systems, prioritizing infection prevention through improved hygiene, sanitation, infection control, and vaccination. Furthermore, promoting responsible antibiotic use among the public (prescription adherence, no sharing), healthcare professionals (judicious prescribing, infection control), and policymakers (strengthening tracking, regulating use, fostering R&D for new tools and treatments) is crucial.