Antibiotic Resistant bacteria 'superbugs'

 Antimicrobial resistance develops when pathogens like bacteria and fungi develop the ability to nullify the effect of drugs designed to kill them.These pathogens are also termed as 'superbugs'. 

     Mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance 

1.  Degradation of drugs by enzymes secreted by pathogens. 
2.  Changes in permeability of cell membranes to drugs. 
3.   Mutations in bacterial proteins that are targets of drugs.

   

    How to know if I am antibiotic resistant? 

   If one does not get well by taking standard antibiotics ,then he should suspect antibiotic resistance.A sample can be sent to the lab to detect the resistant pathogens.

  MODE OF TRANSMISSION 

   These bacteria can spread to humans through food and direct contact with various animals.In hospital setting these bacteria spread to patients through contaminated instruments and hands.These bacteria are omnipresent.They are present in food,animals,plants,water,etc.

   The various examples are 

1. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)   
2. Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE)
3.  Multi-drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MDR-TB) 
4. Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae(CRE).

     Gram-negative bacteria are the main bacteria resistant to antibiotics. 

   A recently published study has stated that around 5 million deaths were associated with antibiotic resistance in 2019.The excessive use of antibiotics in the treatment of COVID-19 has definitely worsened this problem.As antibiotics are not specific against a particular disease,It gives the bacteria a chance to change their intrinsic properties to resist the antibiotics.

   A recent study done by Indian Council Of Medical Research (ICMR) has reported that a large number of patients may not benefit from the drug,Carbapenem-A standard antibiotic used to treat Pneumonia in ICU patients as the bacteria has developed resistance against it.According to ICMR resistance to Imipenem-used to treat infections caused by E.coli has increased from 14% in 2016 to 36% in 2021.The susceptibility of bacteria to Klebisella pneumonia came down from 65% in 2016 to 45% in 2020. 

                            Culture Media

  Now,what is the way forward? 

   Rational use of antibiotics is the main step.Antimicrobial treatment should be based on definitive diagnosis and not merely on presumptive diagnosis .The misuse of antibiotics is increasing the resistance level to 5 to 10 % every year to broad-spectrum antibiotics.People in the rural areas usually go to unqualified quacks during illnesses and take antibiotics without any hesitation.This is a serious thing and needs Governments attention at the earliest.

    Active reserach going on in the world. 

   Researchers modified an already present antibiotic to create another that may be effective against Gram-negative bacteria that are drug resistant.one such newer drug,Fabimycin showed success in combating more than 200 Gram-negative bacteria and didn't have had a significant negative impact on the harmless bacteria.Now, scientist fraternity is working tirelessly to develop such antibiotics for the benefit of one and all . 

   Thanks...