A novel surveillance marker for antimicrobial resistance has emerged as a potential early indicator for emerging drug resistance in bloodstream infections, according to a recent study.
This study, published in Lancet, offers significant insights to rising trends in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which the researchers have stated has “escalated to pandemic levels, posing a significant global health threat.”
The researchers analyzed data from the Indian Council of Medical Research's Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network, which spanned 6 years and involved 81,265 cases of bloodstream infections (BSIs) from 21 tertiary care centers, focused on the trends of AMR and identified potential early indicators for drug resistance. The researchers’ findings revealed monthly increases in resistance to key antibiotics such as Imipenem and Meropenem among pathogens including Klebsiella, E. coli, and Acinetobacter. Cefotaxime resistance was also identified as a potential indicator for Carbapenem resistance in E. coli, compared to community-acquired infections.
To address a research gap, investigators have noted that their research is 'the first to situate Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) within the context of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),' revealing a strong association between higher antibiotic resistance and lower achievements in these goals, particularly SDG3. This goal aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being. Their findings indicated that regions achieving higher metrics in SDG3 exhibited lower Imipenem resistance rates, suggesting a link between effective health governance and AMR trends.
The researchers’ findings highlighted a critical need attention on the matter and can be pivotal for healthcare stakeholders, policymakers, and researchers focused on AMR.
“The escalation of Carbapenem resistance in BSIs demands vigilant monitoring and may be crucial for achieving SDGs by 2030. Implementing the proposed framework for data-driven evidence can help nations achieve proactive AMR surveillance,” they advised.
The study did not receive specific funding for this analysis.
