Why in the news?

  • Researchers from the IIT Roorkee, have developed a novel drug candidate, Compound 3b, that can restore the effectiveness of the antibiotic Meropenem against deadly, drug-resistant bacteria.

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

  • What is it?: Antimicrobial resistance is the resistance acquired by any microorganism (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, etc.) against antimicrobial drugs (such as antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, antimalarials, and anthelmintics) that are used to treat infections.
  • Causes
    • Overuse and misuse of antibiotics in humans and animals.
    • Lack of access to clean water and sanitation
    • Poor infection control practices in healthcare settings
    • Indiscriminate use of antibiotics in agriculture
  • Impacts
    • Increased treatment duration and cost
    • Need for stronger and more expensive drugs
    • Increased risk of treatment failure and mortality
  • Indian Initiatives
    • National Programme on AMR containment: Launched in 2012. Under this program, the AMR Surveillance Network has been strengthened by establishing labs in State Medical College.
    • National Action Plan on AMR: It focuses on the One Health approach and was launched in April 2017 to involve various stakeholder ministries/departments.
    • AMR Surveillance and Research Network (AMRSN): It was launched in 2013, to generate evidence and capture trends and patterns of drug-resistant infections in the country.
    • AMR Research & International Collaboration: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has taken initiatives to develop new drugs /medicines through international collaborations in order to strengthen medical research in AMR.
  • Global Initiatives
    • The Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS): WHO launched the GLASS in 2015 to continue filling knowledge gaps and to inform strategies at all levels.