Key Takeaways
- Routine antibiotics are failing against common infections in India
- ICMR report shows 75% resistance to key drugs for pneumonia/sepsis
- ICU superbugs show 91% resistance to last-line antibiotics
- Experts warn of shrinking treatment options for critically ill patients
Widely used antibiotics are rapidly losing effectiveness against routine infections across India, according to ICMR’s 2024 AMR surveillance report. The study of one lakh lab samples reveals common illnesses like UTIs, pneumonia, and diarrhea are becoming increasingly untreatable with standard medications.
Dominant Drug-Resistant Bacteria
Gram-negative bacteria remain dominant across healthcare settings. E. coli, causing UTIs and bloodstream infections, shows reduced sensitivity to powerful antibiotics. Klebsiella pneumoniae, responsible for severe pneumonia and sepsis, resists piperacillin-tazobactam in 75% of cases and shows high carbapenem resistance.
Critical ICU Situation
The situation worsens in intensive care units. Acinetobacter baumannii exhibits 91% resistance to meropenem, forcing doctors toward toxic drug combinations. Pseudomonas aeruginosa resistance is steadily increasing. Overall, drug-resistant bacteria cause 72% of bloodstream infections.
Limited Treatment Options
While minor improvements exist in E. coli sensitivity to amikacin, the overall trend remains grim. Diarrheal pathogens show heavy resistance to fluoroquinolones, and over 95% of Salmonella typhi samples resist these drugs. Fungal infections also display worrying resistance patterns.
Expert Warnings
“Powerful antibiotics are failing against infections that were once straightforward to treat. This is a serious public-health challenge requiring immediate action,” said Dr Rommel Tickoo, director of internal medicine at Max Hospital, Saket.
“We’re running out of effective options. In ICUs especially, our choices are shrinking fast. Rational antibiotic use is no longer optional—it is vital to protect the medicines that still work,” added Dr Rakesh Gupta, senior consultant at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals.
ICMR notes the data primarily reflects hospital infections, but experts warn community spread is inevitable without strict antibiotic stewardship and responsible prescribing practices.
