Combatting the superbug

New Straits Times

18 hours ago

THE rampant misuse of antibiotics in Malaysia highlights the urgent need for responsible healthcare practices. One common but dangerous example is the treatment of sore throats.
Although most are caused by viruses and do not require antibiotics, many Malaysians still demand or expect them - fuelling the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
This misuse is not just harmful; it is helping to build a future where simple infections could once again become deadly.
In Malaysia, the overuse of antibiotics is particularly concerning — a recent study found that only 2.8 per cent of sore throat cases in public primary care clinics were caused by Group A Streptococcus (GAS), the only common bacterial cause warranting antibiotics, yet 22.3 per cent of these patients still received antibiotics, with over 90 per cent of these prescriptions deemed unnecessary.
"The Health Ministry is scaling up national interventions to address antibiotic misuse. Our focus is on policy enforcement, enhancing clinical guidelines, and running large-scale education campaigns to shift both public and professional behaviour," says Klinik Kesihatan Bandar Botanic, Klang consultant family medicine specialist Dr Ho Bee Kiau.
Misuse — often driven by misinformation — can lead to treatment failure and drug-resistant infections.
Empowering patients with the right knowledge is critical to preventing a future where even routine infections become untreatable, says Kuala Lumpur Hospital head of pharmacotherapy services, Rahela Ambaras Khan.
Clinical guidelines like the Malaysian Multidisciplinary Sore Throat Consensus are designed to support better diagnostic decisions.
When used correctly, they help reduce reliance on antibiotics for viral infections, which don't benefit from them, adds Professor Dr Baharudin Abdullah, one of the authors of the Sore Throat Consensus.
"Our data shows a persistent gap between what's medically appropriate and what's being prescribed. Closing that gap is essential," he adds.
Patients often feel uncertain when told antibiotics aren't needed. That's why education is key — not just for doctors, but for the public, says Universiti Malaya faculty of medicine, department of primary care medicine, family medicine specialist Dr Mohazmi Mohamad.
When people understand why antibiotics don't work for viral sore throats, they're more likely to accept alternative treatments and avoid contributing to resistance, he explains.
In line with promoting responsible sore throat management, the Malaysian Multidisciplinary Sore Throat Consensus also provides healthcare professionals with clear, evidence-based guidance on when antibiotics are necessary — and when they are not.
The guidelines highlight the value of accurate diagnosis, patient education, and symptom-targeted care, reinforcing the importance of accessible solutions that help manage viral sore throats without relying on antibiotics.