What is the KARS-NET?

KARS-NET is the Kerala Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network, the largest state-level AMR surveillance network in India, monitoring nine priority pathogens responsible for high antibiotic resistance rates.

How has the sale of antibiotics over the counter changed in Kerala?

Over the past two years, Kerala has brought down the sale of antibiotics over the counter by 20-30% through stricter enforcement of regulations.

What are the concerning AMR trends in Kerala?

The report highlights increasing rates of ESBL-producing bacteria and Carbapenem resistance among pathogens like E. coli and Klebsiella species, as well as slight increases in MRSA.

Home / Health / Kerala Sees Slight Dip in Antibiotic Resistance Rates in 2024

Kerala Sees Slight Dip in Antibiotic Resistance Rates in 2024

10 Nov

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Summary

Antibiotic resistance surveillance report for 2024 released
20-30% drop in over-the-counter antibiotic sales in past 2 years
Increasing ESBL and Carbapenem resistance among key pathogens

Kerala Sees Slight Dip in Antibiotic Resistance Rates in 2024

On November 10, 2025, the Kerala government released its annual antibiotic resistance surveillance report for 2024. The data, collected from 47 labs across 13 districts, shows a slight decline in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) rates compared to previous years.

The report, part of the Kerala Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network (KARS-NET), analyzed data from 55,640 patient isolates. It reveals that over the past two years, the state has successfully reduced over-the-counter antibiotic sales by 20-30% through stricter enforcement of regulations. However, this dip was not driven by increased public awareness on the dangers of AMR.

Despite the overall improvement, the report highlights concerning trends. Rates of ESBL-producing bacteria and Carbapenem resistance have been increasing among priority pathogens like E. coli and Klebsiella species. Additionally, slight increases in MRSA were observed, though Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE) showed a decreasing trend.