What is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)?Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is the ability of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites to survive and thrive despite the use of antimicrobial drugs intended to kill them or inhibit their growth. This AMR reduces the effectiveness of standard treatments, makes infections more difficult to manage, and raises the risk of disease transmission, severe health complications, and death.AMR is responsible for an estimated 1.27 million deaths per year worldwide as of the latest studies, with 4.95 million deaths associated with bacterial AMR in 2019 alone. South Asia is among the regions with the highest burden of AMR, with India facing a severe impact due to the high rate of antibiotic misuse and over-the-counter sales. Over 70% of infections in India showed resistance to at least one commonly used antibiotic. If AMR continues to rise at the current rate, it could lead to 10 million annual death toll by 2050 globally, surpassing deaths from major diseases like cancer. Economically, AMR could reduce the global GDP by up to 3.8% by 2050 due to increased healthcare costs and loss of workforce productivity.
Causes of AMR:1. Overuse of antimicrobials: Excessive or inappropriate use of antibiotics in humans, animals, agriculture and allied sectors.
2. Incomplete treatment courses: Not finishing the prescribed antibiotics allows some pathogens to survive and develop resistance.
3. Poor infection control: Lack of hygiene and sanitation facilitates the spread of resistant microorganisms.
4. Misuse in agriculture, livestock and fisheries: Misuse of antibiotics to promote growth in livestock and allied sectors contributes to the development of resistant strains.
5. Limited development of new drugs: The slow pace of developing new antimicrobial agents reduces the available options to combat resistant infections.
productivity.
Causes of AMR in Fisheries and Livestock
1. Overuse of antimicrobials:
o Antibiotics are often used indiscriminately to prevent infections rather than to treat confirmed cases.
o Low doses are sometimes administered over long periods to promote animal growth.
2. Inadequate regulations:
o Insufficient implementation of policies and oversight for antimicrobial use in animal husbandry and aquaculture contribute to misuse of antimicrobials.
3. Poor farming practices:
o Overcrowding, poor sanitation, and stress in animals and fish increases the disease risks, leading to excessive usage of antimicrobials.
4. Improper waste management:
o Untreated farm waste containing antibiotic residues and resistant bacteria contaminates the water sources and soil, promoting the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
5. Global trade:
o The international movement of animals, fish, and animal products can contribute to the spread of resistant pathogens across borders.
Prevention and Control of AMR:1. Judicious use of antimicrobials: Use antibiotics only when necessary and strictly as prescribed.
2. Prevention of infection: Improved hygiene, vaccination, and sanitation practices may reduce the need for antibiotics.
3. Research and development: Invest in developing new drugs, vaccines, and diagnostic tools to stay ahead of resistant pathogens.
4. Global surveillance:Monitoring and reporting resistant strains to better understand and combat AMR through targeted interventions.
5. Public awareness: Educate communities about the risks of misuse of antimicrobial sand the importance of responsible practices.
Conclusion: AMR is a growing global health crisis which requires coordinated efforts across human, animal, and environmental health sectors to mitigate its impact. The World Health Organization (WHO) organizes World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) annually from November 18-24. The theme for the World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW) 2024is "Educate, Advocate, Act now.”