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Antibiotics have changed the face of modern healthcare. They are essential for treating conditions like pneumonia and for stopping infections during operations. Yet, the rising issue of antibiotic resistance worldwide, caused by improper use, overuse, and poor infection management, is pushing us toward a future where even mild infections could become dangerous again. The World Health Organization highlights this as one of the major public health risks globally, warning that we are moving toward a "post-antibiotic era" where common medical procedures could be risky. In India, data from institutions like the Indian Council of Medical Research and the National Centre for Disease Control reveal that bacteria are becoming more resistant to antibiotics that are used frequently. Though superbugs are already a challenge in hospitals, experts warn that if antibiotics completely fail, the impact would extend far beyond just infectious diseases.
To get an idea of what a future like that might look like and how imminent it is for India, we interviewed Dr. Sunil Havannavar, a Senior Consultant in Internal Medicine at Manipal Hospital Sarjapur, who describes the alarming situation clearly and emphasizes that there is still a chance for immediate action. Many individuals use antibiotics readily for symptoms like fever, sore throats, coughs, or stomach issues. However, most of these common conditions are caused by viruses, not bacteria, meaning antibiotics are not helpful in these cases. This has led to an increase in antibiotic resistance in previously easily treatable bacteria. Many of us view antibiotics as the first solution when we are ill. The concern is that bacteria are gradually becoming stronger and adapting to resist these medications. If the rate of antibiotic resistance keeps up, even simple infections could turn into serious threats.
A typical urinary tract infection
A tiny cut on the leg
A chest infection that usually clears up in a few days
All of these might become serious and unresponsive to treatment.
Annual reports from ICMR show increasing resistance in E. coli, Klebsiella, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas, which are responsible for many common infections in India. A regular urine infection, a small cut, or that chest infection could suddenly become tough and risky. Sometimes, even our strongest antibiotics would fail to work. Antibiotics aren't only for treating infections; they are also crucial in preventing them. Many advanced medical procedures depend on antibiotics to ensure patient safety. Operations like knee replacements, heart surgeries, and even organ transplants need antibiotics to avoid infection. Without antibiotics, these procedures carry significant risks. Cancer patients, particularly those going through chemotherapy, face a high risk of infections because of their weakened immune systems. Antibiotics play a vital role for these patients with low immunity, as their failure makes cancer treatment much more difficult.
The WHO alerts us that if we don't have effective antibiotics, the rate of death from infections after surgery could increase significantly, making life-saving operations too risky to carry out. Antibiotic resistance doesn't develop quickly; it builds up gradually and often quietly. Each time a person takes antibiotics when they are not truly needed, such as for a viral cold, or stops taking the medication before finishing it, bacteria get the chance to adapt and become stronger. Other factors that contribute to this issue include:
Poor infection management in hospitals
Selling antibiotics without a prescription
Use of antibiotics in farm animals and poultry
Poor handwashing and cleanliness practices
Insufficient testing leading to unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions.
The WHO and CDC caution that resistant bacteria can harmlessly stay in the gut for months, a condition known as colonization, only to later trigger serious infections. Despite the dark forecasts, specialists believe the situation can still be fixed if strong measures are taken immediately. Doctors can refrain from prescribing antibiotics when they aren't needed. Individuals can avoid using leftover pills and finish the entire course only when necessary. Hospitals can improve infection control measures. Farmers can lessen the use of antibiotics in animals. Scientists are also developing new medications and vaccines. Global health organizations are in agreement. Effective management of antibiotics, better cleanliness, enhanced testing, and controlled use of antibiotics in farming are essential strategies. Think of antibiotics as a fire extinguisher. If we only use it when it's truly required, it will always be available in case of an emergency. However, if we misuse it, one day it may fail.
If antibiotics become ineffective, the world won't just lose a type of medicine; it will also lose the protective layer that allows modern healthcare to function safely. Simple infections could turn deadly, surgeries could become risky, and treatments like chemotherapy or organ transplants might also become much more dangerous. This worst-case scenario can be avoided, but it demands careful use of antibiotics, stronger healthcare systems, and increased public understanding. Experts stress that the effectiveness of antibiotics can still be maintained, but we must take action now.
