Most antibiotics have become ineffective: BSMMU
Staff Reporter :
Nearly 90 percent of the first and second-line antibiotics used against the primary infectious bacteria in the human body have become ineffective in the country, a research report conducted by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) revealed on Monday.
“The improper use of antibiotics is the primary and foremost cause. If this situation persists, it could pose a serious threat in the future,” the report said.
The findings were unveiled in an event titled “Challenges of Antibiotic Use and Effectiveness in the Treatment of Infectious Diseases” at BSMMU’s Shaheed Milon Hall.
The research findings were presented by Dr. Md Fazle Rabbi Chowdhury, Assistant Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at the university.
This research finding was disclosed by conducting sample tests of 72,670 patients who sought medical treatment at BSMMU from January 2022.
The report highlights that at least 75 percent of infections in the country are caused by bacteria such as Typhoid, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, and Pseudomonas. Access and Watch Group’s antibiotics have also become nearly 90 percent ineffective against these bacteria.
Moreover, the antibiotics used to treat ICU patients are now being administered to ward patients. This indicates the severity of the situation, Fazle Rabbi Chowdhury said.
At the same time, the bacteria that were previously found only in the ICU are now being discovered in the community, as mentioned in the research, he said.
He said, “We must remember one thing – if we continue to use antibiotics from our reserves now, we will have no place to go later. At that time, we will face a much bigger crisis.
It will be evident that antibiotics will not work for common illnesses like cold and fever. During such minor illnesses, we will be at risk of losing our lives.”
During the seminar, Professor Dr. M. Sharfuddin Ahmed, the Vice-Chancellor of BSMMU, stated that antibiotics should not be prescribed to patients without necessary examinations and tests.
Indiscriminate use of antibiotics has made humans resistant.
“In the country, 170,000 people die annually due to antibiotic resistance. If this situation persists, by the year 2050, more people may die from antibiotic effect of like Covid-19,” he said.
He also said the antibiotics cannot be sold in pharmacies without a prescription from a registered physician. Even doctors must prescribe antibiotics for patients after necessary examinations.
“The subject of antibiotics is dynamic, so doctors need to be aware of the latest developments in the effectiveness of antibiotics. Social and administrative measures should be taken to ensure judicious use of antibiotics,” he added.
Patients visiting hospitals can get infected by other patients, warned the Vice-Chancellor, advising that when going to the hospital to see a patient, one should maintain a distance and avoid close contact.
“Sometimes, ordinary people also become patients by visiting hospitals.
This is known as cross-infection. Therefore, even if you go to the hospital, it is advisable to leave the premises promptly to avoid potential risks,” he warned.
Assistant Professor Dr. Chandan Kumar Roy of the University’s Microbiology and Immunology Department highlighted the role of technologies and the department’s involvement in combating antimicrobial resistance in determining the antimicrobial susceptibility of microorganisms in patients’ samples and dealing with antimicrobial resistance during the event.
