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Antibiotic Resistance Soars in Acinetobacter Infections
16 Jan
Summary
- 13 of 15 antibiotics show high resistance rates to Acinetobacter bacteria.
- Acinetobacter infections link to serious conditions like pneumonia and wounds.
- Over-the-counter antibiotic sales and misuse fuel rising resistance.
A recent study from SMS Medical College in Jaipur has sounded an alarm over escalating antibiotic resistance in Acinetobacter bacteria. The research found that 13 out of 15 frequently used antibiotics now exhibit resistance rates exceeding 40%, with one showing a staggering 78% resistance.
Acinetobacter infections are a serious threat, often leading to severe complications such as wound infections, urinary tract infections, and pneumonia. These are particularly dangerous for patients with trauma or those requiring mechanical ventilation. Dr. Sunil Mahawar from SMS Hospital expressed concern, attributing the rise to factors like easy over-the-counter access to antibiotics and their misuse for viral infections.
While some drugs remain partially effective, their efficacy has significantly diminished. Tigecycline and colistin are identified as the most effective treatments, showing no resistance. However, the overall trend of declining antibiotic effectiveness across multiple medications is a critical public health challenge requiring urgent attention.
