Threat of superbugs: Deadly bacteria found in top 21 hospitals of the country, shocking report by ICMR!

A new report has made a shocking revelation. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the dangerous presence of superbugs has been observed in 21 major hospitals in the country.

A new report has revealed something shocking. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the dangerous presence of superbugs has been observed in 21 major hospitals of the country. These superbugs can pose a threat to the lives of patients admitted to hospitals. Superbugs (Klebsiella pneumonia and Escherichia coli) classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) were found mainly in AIIMS Delhi, PGI Chandigarh, Apollo Hospital Chennai and Gangaram Hospital in Delhi, among many other hospitals.

The ICMR report said that these superbugs were found in patient samples, including blood, urine, and other fluids, collected from outpatient departments (OPD), wards, and ICUs. The revelation has sounded an alarm in hospitals and they have been advised to follow strict protocols for better management of medicines and disposal of bacterial waste to prevent further spread of superbugs.

Could superbugs be as big a threat as cancer?

A report published earlier this year by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) said that by 2050, superbugs could be as big a threat as cancer. The report said that the direct economic consequences of such superbugs would be about $3.4 trillion per year by the end of 2030. In addition, 24 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty. The report said that pollution by animal husbandry and pharmaceutical companies has increased the emergence of superbugs.

What are superbugs?

Superbugs are strains of bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites that are resistant to most antibiotics, including modern medicines. They are often caused by the misuse of antibiotics. Disinfectants, antiseptics and antibiotics that can help germs grow stronger are present everywhere, from toothpaste and shampoo to cow's milk and dirty water.

Two main forms of superbugs

They become antimicrobial resistant (AMR) mainly through two means. One is the overuse of drugs in animal husbandry which provides an opportunity for bacterial strains to mutate to escape the effect of any antibiotic. Second, pharma companies pollute waterways. Drug companies do not treat medical waste adequately which creates resistant superbugs. AMR is a natural phenomenon as experts call it 'genetic capitalism'. However, overuse of drugs, especially antibiotics, has accelerated this process.