Positive Association between Antimicrobial Use in Animals and AMR in Humans
Recently, a report has shown a positive relationship between antimicrobials used in animals and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in humans.
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites mutate over time and do not respond to drugs. This makes the infection difficult to treat.
- The report, released by the EU Centers for Disease Prevention and Control and others, analyzed six classes of antibiotics, namely Cephalosporins, Fluoroquinolones, Polymyxins, Aminopenicillins, Macrolides and Tetracyclines.
- These classes are also included in the WHO AWaRe (Access, Watch, Reserve) classification.
- The data used was collected as part of clinical and epidemiological surveillance / monitoring. Data on AMR in E. coli, K. pneumoniae, S. aureus and C. jejuni were included in this report: While E. coli and K. pneumonia are common infection causing pathogens, S. aureus and C. jejuni are food-borne bacteria.
Key features of the report:
- Antimicrobial use in food-organisms has been related to AMR in animals as well as in humans.
- There is a need to encourage the judicious use of antimicrobial agents and to promote infection control and prevention in both humans and food-producing organisms.
Steps taken by India to combat Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR):
- National Antimicrobial Resistance Prevention Program has been launched.
- Red line media campaign for medicines has been started.
- National Action Plan on AMR has been released. India has enrolled in WHO’s Global Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (GLASS/GLASS).
- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued limits on antibiotic residues in animal food.
Source – The Hindu
