The Australian research community has sounded an alarm regarding Staphylococcus Epidermidis, a superbug resistant to all known antibiotics. This particular bacterium is spreading unchecked through global hospital wards, potentially causing grave infections or even death. The rapid spread of this bacteria can be attributed to the widespread use of a cocktail of different antibiotics to treat patients suffering from bacterial infections in Intensive Care Units (ICUs).
Staphylococcus Epidermidis: An Emerging Threat
Staphylococcus Epidermidis, closely related to the MRSA superbug, is a bacterium naturally found on human skin. It typically infects elderly patients or those who have had prosthetic materials such as catheters and joint replacements inserted. The prevalence of these infections highlights the urgent need for improved understanding and control of infection spread.
Understanding MRSA
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) traces its origin to the introduction of methicillin, a type of penicillin used to counter penicillin-resistant S. aureus bacteria. In 1961, British scientists recognized the first strains of S. aureus that had developed resistance to methicillin, marking the emergence of MRSA.
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): A Global Threat
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites morph after exposure to antimicrobial medicines like antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, antimalarials, and anthelmintics. As a result, treatment and prevention approaches for various infections become less effective, posing a rising threat to global public health. The absence of potent antibiotics could compromise critical surgeries and cancer chemotherapy treatments.
The Financial Impact of AMR
Containing resistant infections proves more cost-intensive than non-resistant infections due to prolonged periods of illness, increased testing, and the usage of more expensive drugs. The cause of AMR is primarily the overuse and misuse of antibiotics, which accelerates the natural occurrence of antimicrobial resistance. Drug-resistant microbes can transfer between people and animals, further exacerbated by poor infection control, inadequate sanitary conditions, and inappropriate food-handling.
WHO Initiatives Against AMR
To combat AMR, WHO provides aid to countries in formulating action plans and carries out various initiatives like World Antibiotic Awareness Week and Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP), aiming to streamline data relating to antimicrobial resistance and encouraging research and development through public-private partnerships.
India’s Approach to Combat AMR
India’s government has undertaken initiatives such as the National Action Plan and the Red-Line Campaign to tackle AMR across several sectors including human health, animal husbandry, agriculture, and the environment. The Red-Line Campaign aims to curb irrational use of antibiotics and raise awareness about the dangers of self-prescription.
Understanding Superbugs
Superbugs are bacteria that have developed resistance to most of the available antibiotics. A prime example is the NDM-1 Superbug (New Delhi Metallo-beta-lactamase-1), a bacterium that poses significant threats to human health.
Given the increasing reports of antibiotic-resistant superbugs, collective global efforts are required to stem this looming health crisis.