Explainer
Fighting back against resistance: The future of antibiotics
Unlock Exclusive Insights with The Tribune Premium
Take your experience further with Premium access. Thought-provoking Opinions, Expert Analysis, In-depth Insights and other Member Only Benefits
Advertisement
Antibiotics and resistance
1. What are antibiotics?
• Definition: Antibiotics are medicines that kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria.
• They are not effective against viruses (so they do not cure common cold, flu, COVID-19).
• First discovered: Penicillin by Alexander Fleming in 1928.
• Types:
Broad-spectrum (act on many bacteria, e.g., tetracycline)
Narrow-spectrum (target specific bacteria, e.g., penicillin G).
2. How do antibiotics work?
Antibiotics target essential processes in bacteria:
1. Cell wall synthesis inhibitors (e.g., Penicillin, Cephalosporins)
2. Protein synthesis inhibitors (e.g., Tetracyclines, Macrolides)
3. DNA/RNA synthesis inhibitors (e.g., Fluoroquinolones, Rifampicin)
4. Metabolic pathway inhibitors (e.g., Sulfonamides).
By disrupting these processes, they either kill bacteria (bactericidal) or stop growth (bacteriostatic).
3. What is antibiotic resistance?
• When bacteria mutate or acquire genes that help them survive despite antibiotic use.
• Resistant bacteria are often called “superbugs.”
• Example: MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).
4. Causes of antibiotic resistance
Overuse & misuse
• Unnecessary prescriptions (antibiotics given for viral infections).
• Self-medication without prescription.
Incomplete dosage
• Stopping antibiotics early → surviving bacteria develop resistance.
Agricultural use
• Antibiotics used as growth promoters in livestock & poultry.
Poor infection control
• Lack of hygiene in hospitals (Nosocomial infections).
Environmental factors
• Pharmaceutical waste & effluents contaminating water & soil.
5. Global & national concerns
• Health: Infections become untreatable, leading to higher mortality.
• Economy: Higher healthcare costs, prolonged hospital stays.
• Security: WHO calls antibiotic resistance a “silent pandemic.”
• India-specific concern:
India is one of the largest consumers of antibiotics.
• High burden of drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB, XDR-TB).
• Over-the-counter sale is rampant.
6. Tackling antibiotic resistance
Global efforts
• WHO’s Global Action Plan (2015) with 5 objectives (awareness, surveillance, sanitation, appropriate use, R&D).
• One Health Approach → integrates human, animal, and environmental health.
• Global AMR Surveillance System (GLASS).
India’s efforts
• National Action Plan on AMR (2017–2021) → surveillance, research, awareness.
• National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC): AMR surveillance network.
• Red Line Campaign: Marking antibiotics with a red line to discourage misuse.
• Ban on Colistin (critical antibiotic) for growth promotion in animals.
• ICMR guidelines for rational use of antibiotics in hospitals.
• National Programme on Containment of AMR (under MoHFW).
Superbugs
What are superbugs?
• Superbugs are strains of bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites that have developed resistance to multiple antibiotics or antimicrobial drugs.
• The most common reference is to antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).
Examples of superbugs
• MRSA – Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
• CRE – Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae
• MDR-TB – Multi-drug resistant Tuberculosis
• XDR-TB – Extensively drug-resistant Tuberculosis
• Colistin-resistant bacteria – last-line antibiotic resistance
Concerns
• Public health crisis – common infections become untreatable.
• Increased mortality & morbidity – routine surgeries and treatments become risky.
• Economic burden – higher healthcare costs and longer hospital stays.
• Threat to SDGs – jeopardizes universal health coverage and global health security.
Global & Indian context
• WHO declared antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as a Top 10 global health threat.
• India is one of the largest consumers of antibiotics → high risk of superbug emergence.
• Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) runs AMR surveillance networks.
• National Action Plan on AMR (2017–2021) launched by India in line with WHO guidelines.
Tackling superbugs
1. Antibiotic stewardship – rational prescription and use.
2. Surveillance – tracking resistant strains.
3. Infection prevention – hygiene, vaccination, better hospital practices.
4. Research & innovation – new antibiotics, alternatives like phage therapy.
5. Public awareness – avoiding misuse of antibiotics.
6. Global cooperation – AMR requires joint international efforts.
In short:
Superbugs are antibiotic-resistant pathogens that threaten modern medicine. India, with high antibiotic use, faces major risks. Tackling them needs One Health approach – combining human, animal and environmental health measures.
UPSC angle
• Prelims:
Example Q: The Red Line campaign in India is related to
(a) Climate change
(b) Antibiotic resistance
(c) Maternal health
(d) Vector control.
Answer: (b).
• Mains (GS-II, GS-III):
Q: Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is one of the greatest public health challenges of the 21st century. Discuss its causes, impact and measures taken by India to address it.
• Essay:
Themes like “Science and Technology is a double-edged sword” or “Health security is national security” can use AMR as a case study.
Advertisement
Advertisement