A view of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in New Delhi.
A recent report from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) highlights alarming trends in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) across various infections, including drug-resistant urinary tract infections (UTIs), bloodstream infections, pneumonia, and typhoid. The comprehensive findings stem from the Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network (AMRSN) and present critical data gathered from January 1 to December 31, 2023.
The report reveals patterns of AMR in key pathogenic groups, employing advanced genomics and whole genome sequencing to shed light on prevalent resistance mechanisms in different microorganisms. Gram-negative bacilli remain the leading pathogens identified in significant clinical samples, including blood, urine, and respiratory tract cultures.
Among outpatient cases, Escherichia coli was the most frequently isolated organism at 30.74%, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae at 13.63%, Staphylococcus aureus at 12.15%, Pseudomonas aeruginosa at 12.06%, and Enterococcus faecalis at 4.41%. In inpatient settings, Escherichia coli remained dominant with 22.75%, followed closely by Klebsiella pneumoniae at 16.21% and A. baumannii at 11.87%. In the intensive care unit, A. baumannii was the most prevalent pathogen at 23.74%, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae and E. coli.
The data utilized in the report was collected from 21 regional centers across the country, representing both public and private healthcare sectors. For a robust analysis, only those drug-pathogen combinations where the tested sample size exceeded 30 were included.
This report emphasizes that antibiotic overuse and misuse are the primary contributors to the rise of AMR. Continuous surveillance of antimicrobial susceptibilities is essential for tailoring effective antibiotic treatments, enhancing patient outcomes, and curbing the spread of resistant strains. The report underscores the need for ongoing monitoring and the development of adaptive strategies to sustain antibiotic efficacy.
It is important to note that the data presented reflects patterns from tertiary care hospitals and may not accurately represent community-level AMR trends across the country. Additionally, the report includes crucial information about antibiogram interpretations from outpatient departments, wards, and intensive care units, providing insights essential for addressing the challenges posed by AMR and improving antimicrobial stewardship practices.
Published – September 21, 2024 05:33 pm IST
