The recent outbreak of a strain of antimicrobial-resistant gonorrhea in Kenya has caused significant concern among health experts. This strain is stated to be asymptomatic in some cases, posing a grave threat to individuals’ health. It can inflict permanent damage on their reproductive systems. This article discusses the causes and impacts of gonorrhea and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Gonorrhea: An Overview
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is an alarming health issue that can affect both males and females, primarily in their genitals, rectum, and throat. When left untreated, gonorrhea can result in severe health consequences, such as infertility and a heightened risk of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. The World Health Organization (WHO) cites it as the second-most common sexually transmitted disease globally, only after chlamydia.
To treat gonorrhea, antibiotics are usually prescribed. However, there has been an increasing trend of the bacteria developing resistance to these previously effective drugs.
Understanding Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) refers to a phenomenon wherein microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi develop resistance against antimicrobial drugs like antibiotics, antivirals, antiparasitics, and antifungals. These resistant microorganisms often get referred to as ‘superbugs’.
Noteworthy causes of AMR include inadequate sanitation and hygiene, poor infection control, overuse and repeated use of low-quality drugs, and genetic mutations of bacteria. Another contributing factor is the lack of investment into researching and developing new antimicrobial drugs.
The impacts of AMR are far-reaching and dire. For instance, it increases the risk of infections spreading and getting increasingly difficult to treat, leading to prolonged illness, disability, and death. Healthcare costs also escalate due to AMR, putting a strain on healthcare systems.
AMR in India: Recognition and Government Initiatives
The National Health Policy 2017 in India acknowledges the problem of antimicrobial resistance and calls for effective action against it. The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) has identified AMR as one of the top 10 priorities for their collaborative work with the WHO.
India has instituted surveillance of drug resistance emergence in disease-causing microbes under the programs on Tuberculosis, Vector Borne diseases, and Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), etc.
In response to the growing concern of AMR, the country launched the National Programme on AMR containment in 2012, which resulted in strengthening the AMR Surveillance Network by establishing labs in State Medical Colleges. Furthermore, the National Action Plan on AMR, introduced in 2017, emphasises the One Health approach, involving various stakeholder ministries/departments. Also, the AMR Surveillance and Research Network (AMRSN) was established in 2013 to monitor drug-resistant infections trends in the country.
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) initiated the Antibiotic Stewardship Program on a pilot basis across India to control antibiotic misuse and overuse in hospital wards and Intensive Care Units.
Controlling AMR is crucial in maintaining public health and preventing the spread of drug-resistant infections. This can be achieved through measures like restricting the use of antimicrobial drugs to necessary cases, enhancing infection control, investing in research and development, and fostering international cooperation.
