Latest news with #AMR
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Glacier-fed Ganga's microbes offer new hope in fight against superbugs: Neeri, NCL study
Nagpur: Researchers have unveiled the rich microbial diversity and antimicrobial potential of the glacier-fed upper stretch of the Ganges River, in a study published in Microbiology Spectrum. This groundbreaking work not only contributes to environmental microbiology but also holds promise for combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) under the globally endorsed One Health framework. The study, titled 'Deciphering the Comprehensive Microbiome of Glacier-Fed Ganges and Functional Aspects: Implications for One Health', was led by Dr Krishna Khairnar, principal investigator and head of environmental epidemiology and pandemic management at CSIR-Neeri. Dr Khairnar coordinated this multi-institute project sponsored by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG). The research was conducted in close collaboration with Dr Mahesh Dharne and Dr Syed Dastager from CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), showcasing an exemplary inter-institutional partnership between CSIR-Neeri and CSIR-NCL. The project investigated microbial communities from sediment samples collected over two years along a 250km glacier-fed stretch of the Ganges, spanning Gomukh to Rishikesh. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Đây có thể là thời điểm tốt nhất để giao dịch vàng trong 5 năm qua IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo The findings revealed a rich diversity of bacteria, archaea, and bacteriophages. Notably, several microbes were found to possess biosynthetic pathways for important antimicrobial compounds such as streptomycin, penicillin, and cephalosporins. The study also documented bacteriophages with lytic potential against pathogens, including the clinically significant ESKAPEE group, offering insights into the river's long-attributed non-putrefying properties. "This research reinforces the Ganges River's ecological and biomedical significance," said Dr Khairnar. "Its pristine upper stretch is a natural reservoir of microbial diversity with untapped potential to combat AMR — an urgent global health challenge." This research was conducted as part of the doctoral thesis of Rachel Samson, who is registered with the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR). Her dedicated effort in sampling, sequencing, and analysis played a key role in uncovering this microbial landscape. Thanks to the National Mission for Clean Ganga, this initiative not only contributed to the scientific understanding of the river's unique properties but also lays a foundation for future bioprospecting, phage therapy, and environmental conservation efforts, Dr Khairnar said.
India Today
6 days ago
- Health
- India Today
Health Ministry advisory: Doctor's prescription must for ‘Red Line' antibiotics
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, has reiterated that medicines bearing a Red Line mark should not be consumed without a valid doctor's prescription. The advisory was issued in the context of growing concerns around antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the misuse of antibiotics by the LINE CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED TO COMBAT ANTIBIOTIC MISUSETo create public awareness around the responsible use of antibiotics and prescription drugs, the Ministry launched the Red Line Campaign on Antibiotics. This initiative urges citizens to identify medicines marked with a red vertical line on the packaging and to avoid their consumption without medical medicines typically include antibiotics and certain scheduled drugs categorised under Schedule H and H1 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, which are legally permitted to be sold only on prescription by a Registered Medical Practitioner. 'Medicines with a red line should NEVER be consumed without medical advice. "Misuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance,' the Ministry stated in an official ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE SURVEILLANCE NETWORK (NARS-NET) To strengthen surveillance, the Government of India has established a National AMR Surveillance Network (NARS-Net). Under this network:AMR surveillance of 9 priority pathogens is carried out from identified clinical covers defined drug-bug combinations by the programme's Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).Annual reports analysing surveillance data from 2017 to 2023 are available at PROGRAMME ON AMR CONTAINMENTThe Ministry is implementing the National Programme on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Containment to address the emerging challenge of antibiotic resistance in India. Key components of the programme include:Awareness activities conducted annually during World Antibiotic Awareness Week (WAAW) for healthcare workers and the general Education and Communication (IEC) materials including posters, videos, and radio jingles, focused on:Judicious use of antibioticsPreventing infections through hand hygieneIEC content has been developed in 12 regional languages and shared with States and GUIDELINES AND POLICY INTERVENTIONSThe Ministry has also issued several guidelines to promote rational use of antibiotics:National Treatment Guidelines for Antimicrobial UseGuidelines on Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) to reduce healthcare-associated infections and limit unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions(Access at: FOR AMR SURVEILLANCE AND AWARENESSThe Government has steadily increased budgetary allocations to support AMR containment:666.89 lakhs in 2021–22777.81 lakhs in 2022–23919.00 lakhs in 2023–24These funds are utilised for laboratory surveillance, training, communication campaigns, and infection control ON PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE CONDUCTED BY ICMRadvertisementThe Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), in collaboration with AMR surveillance partners, has conducted nationwide surveys and studies to assess public awareness and understanding of AMR. These findings are used to refine strategies and address knowledge IS URGED TO #READTHERED AND USE MEDICINES RESPONSIBLYThe Ministry of Health continues to appeal to all citizens to be vigilant while purchasing and consuming medicines. The public is advised to:Always check for the red line on medicine self-medication and consult a licenced medical the full course of antibiotics if prescribed.'The red line on medicines is a warning, not a decoration. Be responsible. #ReadTheRed.'This information was shared in a written reply by the Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, in the Lok Sabha.- Ends
Medscape
7 days ago
- Health
- Medscape
AMR Isn't Just Coming but Already Undermining Your Practice
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most urgent public health challenges in 2025. This phenomenon occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve resistance to drugs that were once effective. According to the CDC's 2025 report, AMR could lead to as many as 10 million deaths annually by 2050, overtaking major diseases like cancer. AMR stems from the natural evolutionary ability of microbes to survive selective pressure from antimicrobials. This process is significantly accelerated by the overuse and misuse of these drugs in human health, veterinary medicine, and agriculture. Resistant infections often require longer treatment courses, are associated with increased disability and mortality, and lead to extended hospital stays and higher healthcare costs — placing a growing burden on health systems and global economies. The CDC estimates at least 2.8 million resistant infections and over 35,000 related deaths annually in the US alone. Resistance Mechanisms AMR typically arises through two primary mechanisms: spontaneous genetic mutations and horizontal gene transfer (via conjugation, transformation, or transduction). Recent findings outline several well-characterized resistance pathways: Target modification: Structural alterations in drug targets — often key proteins or cell components — can prevent effective drug binding. Enzyme production: Certain bacteria produce enzymes such as beta-lactamases that deactivate antibiotics like penicillins and cephalosporins. These enzymes are increasingly common in gram-negative species such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae . and . Efflux pumps and permeability barriers: Some bacteria limit drug entry or actively expel antibiotics using multidrug efflux pumps. This is particularly problematic in gram-negative organisms due to their additional outer membrane. These resistance mechanisms can coexist within a single organism, giving rise to 'pan-resistant' strains that are unaffected by nearly all available antimicrobial agents. Resistance can emerge rapidly — even during the course of treatment — turning previously susceptible infections resistant mid-therapy and narrowing treatment options dramatically. Recent Trends and Global Data New international data highlight the accelerating spread of AMR, with particularly concerning developments across both bacterial and fungal pathogens. The World Health Organization (WHO)'s 2024 Bacterial Priority Pathogens List documented rising resistance rates in K pneumoniae and E coli , especially in Asia and Africa — regions where therapeutic options remain severely limited. These findings align with projections from a 2024 commentary published in The Lancet , which estimates that AMR could cause up to 10 million deaths annually by 2050, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries. In the US, the CDC reported that more than 35% of hospital-acquired urinary tract infections in 2024 were caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) organisms. This surge is driven in large part by the horizontal transmission of resistance genes via mobile genetic elements such as plasmids and transposons. MDR tuberculosis also continues to pose a serious global health threat. Data from Eastern Europe and parts of Asia show that over 20% of new tuberculosis cases now involve MDR strains. These cases require longer, more toxic regimens and are associated with poorer clinical outcomes, adding further strain to public health systems. Fungal resistance is emerging as a parallel crisis. A recent review reported that more than 90% of Candida auris isolates collected from hospitals in Europe and North America were resistant to multiple antifungal agents. This poses a serious risk to patients who are immunocompromised and critically ill, particularly in ICUs where infection control remains challenging. Despite the growing threat, treatment pipelines remain thin. While several new antimicrobial agents are under investigation, most remain in preclinical or early clinical stages. The report underscores an urgent need for sustained investment in antimicrobial drug development to replenish a shrinking therapeutic arsenal. Adding to the concern, recent studies describe the emergence of novel resistance mechanisms in gram-positive pathogens such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus . Some strains have developed traits that compromise the efficacy of even newly approved agents — further complicating treatment strategies and escalating costs of care. As AMR continues to evolve across multiple fronts, these findings reinforce the need for comprehensive, coordinated strategies to monitor resistance patterns; support antimicrobial stewardship; and accelerate therapeutic innovation. Economic Toll The global economic impact of AMR could be staggering. The 2024 Lancet commentary projects that AMR could result in up to $100 trillion in economic losses by 2050. The burden is expected to fall disproportionately on low- and middle-income countries, where weaker health systems and limited access to effective therapies could exacerbate existing disparities in both health outcomes and economic development. Clinical consequences are already evident in hospitals around the world. Recent research shows that resistant healthcare-associated infections — such as bloodstream infections and ventilator-associated pneumonias — are associated with mortality rates approaching 30% higher in patients in resource-limited settings. Contributing factors include poor hospital infrastructure, limited access to diagnostics and therapeutics, and inadequate infection control measures. Meanwhile, a 2024 review highlights the growing threat of hospital-acquired infections caused by Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa — both of which exhibit high levels of resistance to multiple antibiotic classes. Without effective interventions, these infections may become increasingly difficult, if not impossible, to treat, further driving up hospital mortality and straining intensive care resources. Emerging Strategies and Solutions Several promising strategies are being explored to slow AMR progression and strengthen the clinical response. Development of new antimicrobials: Recent research highlights novel compounds designed to overcome common resistance mechanisms. While early in development, these agents may offer new hope against multidrug-resistant pathogens. Alternative therapies: Early-phase studies suggest that bacteriophage therapy and antibacterial nanoparticles could serve as complementary approaches to combat infections that no longer respond to conventional treatments. These technologies are gaining traction but require rigorous clinical validation. Antimicrobial stewardship and surveillance: Effective stewardship programs remain central to the AMR response. Core components include the rational prescribing of antimicrobials, real-time infection surveillance, and access to rapid diagnostic tools for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Education and global awareness: The WHO and CDC continue to emphasize the need for coordinated global education campaigns to promote the appropriate use of antimicrobials and curb self-medication — particularly in countries with weak regulatory oversight. National initiatives: In Spain, the 2025-2027 Plan Nacional frente a la Resistencia a los Antibióticos (National Plan against Antibiotic Resistance) stands out as a model. The plan includes enhanced epidemiologic surveillance, increased funding for antimicrobial research, ongoing training for healthcare providers, and public education campaigns. It also calls for integrated action across all levels of the health system to ensure a coordinated national response. Conclusions AMR is no longer a looming threat — it is a present-day global health emergency. Its continued spread is undermining the foundations of modern medicine, with far-reaching consequences for clinical care, public health, and global equity. As resistance mechanisms become increasingly complex and widespread, the therapeutic arsenal is shrinking — particularly in hospital settings and for vulnerable populations. Meanwhile, antibiotic development continues to lag, with most new agents stalled in early-phase research. To avoid a future where routine infections become untreatable, the global response must be ambitious and coordinated. Expanding antimicrobial stewardship, accelerating drug development through sustained investment, and enforcing rational prescribing practices are all urgent priorities. These efforts must be anchored in the One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Education and behavior change are equally essential. Clinicians, patients, and policymakers all play a role in preserving the effectiveness of existing antimicrobials. And while emerging therapies such as phage therapy, nanomedicine, and immunomodulation offer hope, they require rigorous testing and clear regulatory pathways before they can be integrated into clinical practice. The window for action is narrowing — but meaningful progress is still possible. With global alignment, scientific innovation, and sustained commitment, the trajectory of AMR can be reversed.
Indian Express
7 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
CDSCO lists 17 drugs you should ‘flush down sink or toilet' on expiry and not throw in trash; here's why
Most of us have a common habit of discarding expired medicines in the dustbin. However, according to the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation's (CDSCO) latest advisory, flushing certain expired or unused drugs down the toilet should be the norm, rather than throwing them in the dustbin. According to CDSCO, improper disposal of expired, unused drugs may be hazardous to public health, animal health, and the environment. It has also been noted as one of the key factors contributing to the growth of Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR), as stated in a notification dated May 26, 2025. In the same notification, it listed a 'small number of medicines' that may be especially harmful and, in some cases, fatal if used by someone other than the person for whom the medicine was prescribed. 'Expired, unwanted, or unused medicines should be flushed down the sink or toilet to help prevent danger to people and pets in the home.' Notably, an expired drug refers to a drug which had crossed the expiry date mentioned on the label. Further, unused drugs refer to the medications that have not been used by the individual for whom they were prescribed or purchased. The drug regulator noted that expired drugs may come into contact with scavengers and children if a landfill is insecure. 'Pilfering from a stockpile of waste drugs or during sorting may result in expired drugs being diverted to the market for resale and misuse. Most pharmaceuticals past their expiry date become less efficacious, and a few may develop a different adverse drug reaction profile.' What are the risks if these medicines are thrown away or stored carelessly? To gain a deeper understanding, we consulted an expert. Dr Amit Saraf, director of internal medicine at Jupiter Hospital in Thane, called improper disposal 'a real danger.' 'Some painkillers, anxiety medications, or sedatives can lead to overdose or poisoning if someone takes them by mistake. Over time, improper disposal adds to antimicrobial resistance and environmental pollution. Keeping expired drugs at home also increases the risk of self-medication or misuse,' said Dr Saraf. Agreeing with CDSCO's stance, Dr Saraf said that flushing certain high-risk medicines, like opioids and sedatives, prevents accidental consumption or misuse. 'If they are thrown in the household trash, children, pets, or waste workers might find them. Some of these drugs can be deadly even in a single dose if taken by someone who shouldn't,' said Dr Saraf. What is the purpose of this move? The CDSCO aims to minimise harm to people, animals, and the environment. If these medicines are thrown away improperly, they can end up in landfills, contaminating soil and water. 'Some may also be misused if they get into the wrong hands. The guidance on flushing applies to a list of 17 high-risk drugs that are dangerous without medical supervision,' asserted Dr Saraf. What do doctors think about this advisory? Doctors generally support the move, especially those in public health and pharmacology. 'Safe disposal is part of responsible prescribing. We often instruct patients on how to take medicines, but we seldom explain how to dispose of them. This action raises awareness among healthcare providers and patients about the life cycle of medicines, even after they are no longer used,' said Dr Saraf. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
Mail & Guardian
09-07-2025
- Health
- Mail & Guardian
Microplastics act as ‘rafts', increasing the threat to environmental and public health
African countries, including South Africa, have limited waste infrastructure and uneven water treatment systems, which exacerbates the problem of antibiotic resistance. Photo: Sustainable Seas Trust While antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is commonly linked to the overuse of antibiotics in hospitals and animal farming, an environmental contributor is increasingly coming into focus: microplastics. These small plastic particles, typically less than 5mm in diameter, are increasingly recognised not only as environmental pollutants but also as active vectors in the evolution and dissemination of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. Although the crisis is unfolding worldwide, low- and middle-income countries are especially vulnerable because of limited infrastructure and inadequate waste management systems. A perfect storm for AMR These plastic surfaces create ideal conditions for the formation of microbial communities known as biofilms. Within these clusters, bacteria can exchange genetic material more efficiently, including antimicrobial resistance genes. Moreover, microplastics tend to adsorb antibiotics and heavy metals from their surroundings, increasing the selective pressure that favors resistant bacteria. As a result, microplastics are transforming natural ecosystems into incubators of resistance. And these resistant bacteria do not remain confined. They can spread through water, air, food, and even within the human body. A global crisis with local vulnerabilities According to recent estimates, One illustrative example is the Further south, South Africa presents a particularly telling case. Despite being one of the continent's most developed countries, its waste management infrastructure continues to face serious problems. A 2024 study conducted in Health systems on the front line The African continent bears a high burden of infectious diseases, many of which are still treated with older, widely available antibiotics. If AMR continues to spread unchecked, the consequences will be severe. This includes not only loss of human life but also increased pressure on already fragile healthcare systems. Microplastics are complicating efforts to control resistant infections in ways that are not yet fully understood or reflected in current policies. Environmental reservoirs of resistance are rarely included in surveillance systems, and when they are, microplastics are often overlooked as a contributing factor. Towards sustainable solutions Addressing this complex and interconnected crisis requires action on multiple fronts. First, it is essential to reduce plastic production and improve waste management, especially in urban areas. Policies such as bans on single-use plastics and incentives for recycling can make a meaningful difference, provided they are properly implemented and enforced. Second, environmental monitoring systems should begin to include both microplastics and antimicrobial resistance genes as indicators of ecosystem health. This would allow policymakers to detect hotspots and take action before resistance spreads further. Third, the scientific community must broaden its focus. Although most research on AMR has concentrated on clinical and agricultural settings, the environment must now be recognised as a critical front. This shift requires interdisciplinary collaboration among microbiologists, environmental scientists, engineers, and public health professionals. Encouragingly, several promising innovations are emerging. Nature-based solutions such as constructed wetlands, which use plants and microorganisms to clean wastewater, have shown potential to reduce both microplastic pollution and the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance genes. These systems are cost-effective, adaptable, and well suited to the needs of many African regions. The role of public awareness Perhaps most importantly, we must acknowledge that this is not solely a scientific matter. It is also a social and political issue. People need to be involved in and empowered to reduce plastic consumption, demand improved sanitation, and understand the connections between environmental pollution and human health. Educational campaigns, particularly those aimed at young people and urban populations, can help shift behaviours and build public momentum for change. Public interest media play a vital role in making these connections visible and accessible to the broader public. Dr Jose L Balcazar is Senior microbiologist at the Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA-CERCA), Spain. His research explores the mechanisms and factors that promote antimicrobial resistance.
