RECKLESS USE OF RESERVED ANTIMICROBIALS: AN UNETHICAL PRACTICE

Abstract

Introduction: Over last 60 years, pathogenic bacteria have evolved towards AMR.
Antibiotics “against life” means that these drugs extracted from the living creatures
and used to kill or attenuate bacteria. Antibiotics are truly a ‘miracle’ drugs that can
save countless life but its irrational use and often inappropriate prescription make it
an abused drug or drug under threat. AMR is not only eroding the effectiveness of
antibiotics but also may affect the health and economic implementation of each and
every one of us. It is necessary to follow the regulations for antibiotic use and misuse
in country.
Material and Method: A retrospective study was conducted in the Department of
Microbiology MLNMC, Prayagraj from March 2022 to February 2023. Urine
samples were processed in CLED media for bacteriological identification. Lawn
culture in MHA was done following Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method and
antibiotic sensitivity was reported as per CLSI M-100 (32nd Edition).
Result: Total 5,846 urine samples were processed for bacteriological identification
and its antimicrobial sensitivity test. Total growth identified were 2,221. Out of
which 200 were positive for Klebsiella spp. and among these 160 were Extended
Spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producer.
Conclusion: Despite of definitive policies and guidelines for appropriate use of
antimicrobials at National level and monitoring for rational use of antibiotics we
found that 80% of Klebsiella spp. isolates were ESBL producers.