ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE

Why In the News?

In recent times, the WHO has warned that antimicrobial resistance is emerging as a major threat to public health worldwide.
India is strengthening its policy response through the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance based on the One Health approach.

1. What is Antimicrobial Resistance?

Antimicrobial resistance refers to the ability of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites to survive exposure to medicines designed to kill them.
As a result, standard treatments become ineffective, infections persist, and the risk of spread increases.

2. Difference between Antimicrobial Resistance and Antibiotic Resistance

Antimicrobial resistance includes resistance to all antimicrobial medicines.
Antibiotic resistance refers only to resistance developed by bacteria against antibiotics.
Therefore, antibiotic resistance is a subset of antimicrobial resistance.

3. Types of Antimicrobial Medicines

Medicines used against bacteria are called antibiotics.
Medicines used against viruses are called antivirals.
Medicines used against fungi are called antifungals.
Medicines used against parasites are called antiparasitic drugs.

4. Major Causes of Antimicrobial Resistance

Excessive and irrational use of antimicrobial medicines in humans.
Self-medication and availability of medicines without prescription.
Noncompletion of prescribed treatment courses.
Large scale use of antibiotics in livestock, poultry, and aquaculture.
Poor sanitation, unsafe water, and weak infection control systems.
Discharge of pharmaceutical waste into the environment.

5. Global Status of Antimicrobial Resistance

Antimicrobial resistance is recognized as one of the top global public health threats.
It is often described as a silent pandemic.
Projections indicate that antimicrobial resistance could cause millions of deaths annually by the middle of the twenty-first century if unchecked.

6. Priority Pathogens Identified by the World Health Organization

The World Health Organization has classified antibiotic resistant bacteria into:
- Critical priority group
- High priority group
- Medium priority group
This classification guides the research and development of new antibiotics.

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7. One Health Approach and Antimicrobial Resistance

The One Health approach recognizes the interconnection between human health, animal health, and environmental health.
Antimicrobial resistance spreads across humans, animals, food systems, and the environment.
Integrated policy action is essential to control resistance.

8. Global Initiatives to Tackle Antimicrobial Resistance

Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance adopted by the World Health Organization in two thousand fifteen.
Global Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System for data sharing and monitoring.
High level meetings of the United Nations General Assembly on antimicrobial resistance.
World Antimicrobial Awareness Week is observed annually in November.

9. Antimicrobial Resistance in India

India is among the largest consumers of antibiotics globally.
Rising cases of drug-resistant tuberculosis have been reported.
Antibiotic residues have been detected in water bodies and food chains.

10. Indian Government Initiatives

National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance launched in two thousand seventeen.
Red Line Campaign to discourage misuse of prescription antibiotics.
Antimicrobial resistance surveillance network coordinated by the Indian Council of Medical Research.
The National Centre for Disease Control acts as the nodal agency.
Regulation of antibiotics under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules.

Consider the following statements regarding antimicrobial resistance:
1.	Antimicrobial resistance refers only to resistance developed by bacteria.
2.	Antibiotic resistance is a subset of antimicrobial resistance.
3.	The One Health approach links human health, animal health, and environmental health.
4.	The Red Line Campaign in India aims to discourage overuse of prescription antibiotics.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 2 and 3 only
B. 2, 3 and 4 only
C. 1 and 4 only
D. 1, 2 and 3 only

Correct Answer: B

Solution
Statement 1 incorrect: Antimicrobial resistance includes resistance in bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
Statement 2 correct: Antibiotic resistance is only one component of antimicrobial resistance.
Statement 3 correct: The One Health approach integrates human, animal, and environmental health.
Statement 4 correct: The Red Line Campaign discourages misuse of prescription antibiotics.