‘Penicillin misuse could lead to propagation of mutant forms of bacteria resistant to drug’
Bhopal, November 22 (Pervez Bari): Drug resistance can be considered as a natural response to the selective pressure of the growing drug marketing. Though, there is an increasing incidence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens all over the world, but, still few measures are being taken in this direction.
The above observation was made by Dr. Syed Ziaur Rahman, Lecturer, Department of Pharmacology, JNMC, AMU, Aligarh, while delivering the guest lecture as a part of Continuing Dental Education (CDE) on “Anti-biotic Resistance” at the Conference Hall of Dr. Z A Dental College, AMU at Aligarh on Saturday, a Press release of AMU said. He enlightened the audience with a few astonishing facts related to anti-biotic resistance.
It is estimated that more than 5000 to 10000 different species of bacteria live in the human body but some are real pathogen. The illegal, irrational and misuse of antibiotic is the main reason in making these few pathogens resistant. A bacterium that has been in existence for millions of years without any opposition, is now defeating 50-year-old antibiotics. This is a war of micro-evolution vs. microbial evolution. Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of first anti-biotic, himself recognized the potential danger of anti-biotic resistance way back in 1945, Dr. Rahman pointed out.
Dr. Rahman stressed that misuse of penicillin could lead to the selection and propagation of mutant forms of bacteria resistant to the drug. Although, the first penicillin-resistant bacteria appeared several years later, but now the position is beyond control. A resistance to antimicrobials, recognized more than 50 years ago has led to an increase in morbidity, mortality and cost of health care. TB, which is still a very common disease in all developing countries, is currently becoming extensive drug resistant (EDR) leaving behind the problem of multi-drug resistant (MDR). Bacteria have efficient mechanisms of genetic transfer which spreads resistance.
He further stated that the problem of anti-biotic resistance is specifically been facing in all ICUs of the world. He laid the stress to promote the use of Standard Treatment Guidelines (STG) of World Health Organization, (WHO), developed according to anti-microbial resistance patterns, formation of Drugs and Therapeutic Committees (DTC) including Committee for Hospital Anti-microbial Policy (AMA), should be constituted in each medical hospital.
The Committee for AMA Policy in JN Medical College Hospital has been in existence but without any significant role. Moreover, there is no set up of DTC, “Hospital Formulary”, STG and Model List of Essential Medicines in the College Hospital.
Dr. S. S. Ahmad, Chairman, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dr. Z A Dental College, AMU, Aligarh, before starting the CME program introduced the speaker and asked Prof. S. H. Hashmi to say a few words on the importance of CDE.
Prof. S H Hashmi, Principal, Dr. Z A Dental College, AMU, Aligarh, while presiding over the session also said that the lecture of Dr. Rahman is very pertinent in the present scenario, when bacterial resistance is becoming a global problem. The development of new antibiotics has slowed but the growth of resistant microorganisms is increasing. In the end of the CDE programme Dr. Ahmad proposed a vote of thanks. (pervezbari@eth.net)