As the COVID-19 graph continues to flatten, experts have warned about a worrying rise in drug-resistant superbugs, which pose a greater threat to the coronavirus and cause negative health outcomes as the bacteria evolve. and is becoming resistant to existing antibiotics. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as one of the greatest global health threats facing humanity and Professor Dame Sally Davis, the former Chief Medical Officer of England, who is now the UK Special Advisor on Antimicrobial Resistance There are messengers who have also warned. What will be the consequences if the world fails to tackle the problem within the next decade?
After losing her granddaughter two years ago to an infection that could not be treated, Professor Dame Sally Davis warned, “It seems that many people have infections that cannot be treated And we will have to isolate those who cannot be treated, it will be a devastating picture if we do not make good progress in the next 10 years. So, I’m really scared.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Sachin Kumar, senior consultant, pulmonology and critical care medicine at Sakra World Hospital, explained, “AMR or antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites become resistant to the bacteria designed to fight them. Evolve to resist drugs. This makes the infection difficult to treat, increasing the risk of serious illness, death, and spread of the infection. AMR is a major threat, weakening the potency of antibiotics and other drugs, leading to longer illnesses, higher medical expenses and more deaths. If not dealt with, AMR could make previously treatable infections untreatable, causing a worldwide health emergency.
He elaborated, “Additionally, AMR not only affects individuals but also disrupts environmental food chains, potentially leading to the death of various organisms. Failure to address AMR can lead to incurable infection, requiring isolation measures to prevent further spread. This situation will present a significant challenge, potentially surpassing those encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to avoid unnecessary medication without proper consultation, as AMR can have carcinogenic effects and affect respiratory health. Unlike COVID-19, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) will not go away as people develop immunity from exposure or vaccines. AMR will persist for many years without stopping. “With viruses, they often die out as more people become immunized but AMR doesn’t work that way.”
The emergence of drug-resistant superbugs has created significant challenges in achieving herd immunity. Dr. Sachin Kumar revealed, “First, their resistance to antibiotics could reduce the effectiveness of vaccines, which are commonly used to treat secondary infections associated with vaccine-preventable diseases. This weakens the ability of vaccination to confer immunity, resulting in more severe disease in affected individuals. Second, drug-resistant superbugs contribute to disease transmission by causing severe and prolonged infections, making it difficult to establish and maintain herd immunity in communities. Furthermore, the presence of these superbugs may compromise standard infection control measures such as hand hygiene and quarantine protocols, which are critical for managing outbreaks and protecting herd immunity.
“In addition, vulnerable populations, including older adults and people with weakened immune systems, are disproportionately affected by drug-resistant superbugs, increasing the challenges in maintaining herd immunity,” they cautioned. Their reduced ability to generate a strong immune response adds complexity to efforts to control the spread of infectious diseases. In conclusion, the rise of drug-resistant superbugs presents a major obstacle to achieving and maintaining herd immunity, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies to tackle this urgent public health issue.
Dr Manjusha Agarwal, Senior Consultant Internal Medicine at Gleneagles Hospital in Parel, Mumbai, shared, “Some infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites cannot be managed with the medicines available in the country. Unlike viral and bacterial infections, infections caused by these superbugs are challenging to treat due to antibiotic resistance. “This will further increase the burden on the healthcare system in the future.”
He further added, “Factors such as overuse and misuse of antibiotics by people without doctor’s knowledge lead to the high prevalence of drug-resistant superbugs. Apart from this, treating common infections will also be a big problem in the future and this will affect the overall health of the person. Caution has to be taken in the use of antibiotics. It would be better if you discuss this with a doctor and ensure that you do not overuse the medicine or self-medicate.”
Reiterating that the rise of drug-resistant superbugs is a serious issue that could potentially eclipse the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Praveen Sikri, CEO of Icris Pharma Network, concluded, “These “Formidable bacteria can pose a threat.” Undermine decades of medical progress. If left unchecked, common infections can go untreated, leading to increased mortality and overwhelming health care systems globally. Greater attention must be paid to innovation in antibiotic research and development is more important than ever. Lawmakers must commit to investing in new treatments, promoting responsible antibiotic use, and collaborating with global health organizations to tackle this emerging threat. “Together, we can prevent a future where superbugs pose an even bigger threat than the recent pandemic.”
