Dr. ZUBAIR AHMAD AKHOON| DR ARFAT AALUM |PROF. MUZAFFAR SHAHEEN
Microbes are living organisms that multiply frequently and spread rapidly. They include bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. These microbes are constantly evolving enabling them to efficiently adapt to new environments. Anti Microbial Resistance (AMR) is the ability of microbes to grow in the presence of a chemical (drug) that would normally kill them or limit their growth. This behavioral change in microbes occurs owing to genetic mutations and this resistance is transferred among the microbes. AMR makes it harder to eliminate infections from the body as existing drugs become less effective. AMR also increases the duration of treatment, thereby elevates the treatment costs for beleaguered patients. Instances of AMR are widespread in human medicine: in bacteria e.g. MDR-TB (Multi Drug Resistant Mycobacterium Tuberculosis), MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus), VRE (Vancomycin Resistant Enterococi), MDR-NG (Multi Drug Resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae); in viruses e.g. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus); in protozoa e.g. malaria and in fungi e.g. Candida.
Causes of AMR
- Overuse of antimicrobial drugs: The overuse of antibiotics, antifungals, and antivirals in both humans and animals can cause the development of resistant strains of microorganisms.
- Misuse of antimicrobial drugs: Antibiotics and other antimicrobial drugs are often used inappropriately, for example, not completing the full course of treatment, using them to treat viral infections, or using them as a preventative measure rather than a curative measure.
- Poor infection prevention and control measures: Poor infection control practices in healthcare facilities and in the community can lead to the spread of resistant microorganisms.
- Poor sanitation and hygiene: Poor sanitation and hygiene can also contribute to the spread of infections and resistance.
- Antimicrobial drug residues in foods like milk, meat and eggs.
Concerns of AMR
- Treatment failure: AMR makes it difficult to treat infections and can lead to treatment failure, putting patients at risk of complications and death.
- Increased healthcare costs: Treating drug-resistant infections can be more expensive due to the need for extended hospital stays and the use of more expensive drugs.
- Increased morbidity and mortality: AMR can increase the risk of morbidity and mortality, especially in vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and immune compromised individuals.
- Limitations in medical interventions: The emergence of AMR can limit the effectiveness of medical interventions such as organ transplantation, chemotherapy, and surgical procedures.
Role of Veterinarian in Mitigation of AMR
Veterinarians play a crucial role in managing antimicrobial resistance (AMR). They are responsible for prescribing and administering antibiotics to animals, which in turn can impact the development of resistance.
Here are some ways veterinarians can help tackle the issue of AMR:
- Responsible use of antibiotics: Veterinarians must strive to use antibiotics only when necessary, and use them responsibly and appropriately. Overuse of antibiotics in animals can lead to the development of resistant microbes, which can have serious implications for both animal and human health. Besides overuse and injudicious use of antimicrobials can cause their residues to occur in milk, meat, chicken, eggs etc. which further aggravates the problem of antimicrobial resistance in addition to affecting the safety of whole environment in ONE HEALTH CONTEXT.
- Regular monitoring: Veterinarians must be vigilant about monitoring antibiotic use in animals. They should regularly review and evaluate prescription patterns, and monitor the resistance patterns in the local area. This can help identify trends and patterns, and help guide their treatment decisions.
- Education and awareness: Veterinarians can play a vital role in educating animal owners and farmers about the dangers of antibiotic overuse, and the importance of responsible use of antibiotics. This can empower them to make informed decisions and reduce the unnecessary use of antibiotics.
- Collaboration with other stakeholders: Veterinarians can work closely with other stakeholders, including farmers, policymakers, and public health officials, to address the issue of AMR. This collaborative approach can help develop effective strategies to control the spread of resistant bacteria, and promote responsible use of antibiotics.
- Proper withdrawal and withholding periods should be observed after prescribing drugs to the livestock so as to minimize or mitigate the occurrence of drug residues in animal foods and the veterinarians have a pivotal role to play in enforcing and educating the farmers about this.
In summary, by promoting responsible use of antibiotics and collaborating with other stakeholders, veterinarians can help tackle the issue of AMR and ensure the long-term health and wellbeing of both animals and humans.
(Dr. Zubair Ahmad Akhoon, Prof. Muzaffar Shaheen, Division of Veterinary Medicine, FVSc and A.H., SKUAST Kashmir. Dr Arfat Aalum is MVSc Scholar, Division of Animal Nutrition)
