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Superbugs Now Commonplace in Kerala Hospitals
20 Sep
Summary
- Drug-resistant bacteria are now the norm in Kerala's hospitals.
- Community-acquired bacteria like Shigella show high antibiotic resistance.
- KARS-Net surveillance covers 59 institutions across 14 districts.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is now a pervasive issue in Kerala's healthcare facilities, extending beyond intensive care units. The state's latest antibiogram, covering data from January 1 to December 31, 2025, indicates that drug-resistant bacteria are now the standard, not the exception.
This widespread resistance affects both hospital-acquired and community-acquired infections. For instance, E. coli and Klebsiella species isolated from blood show alarmingly high rates of resistance to common antibiotics and even last-resort drugs like Carbapenems.
Gram-positive bacteria also present a significant challenge, with a notable percentage of Staphylococcus aureus being methicillin-resistant (MRSA). While Colistin remains largely effective, emerging resistance is a growing concern.
The Kerala Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network (KARS-Net) has expanded to include 59 institutions, providing crucial data that highlights the severity of AMR. Despite this expanded surveillance, changes in prescribing behavior and public awareness remain critical for effective containment.
