0
0
Nagpur, May 13, 2025 – Leading infectious disease specialists and microbiologists have sounded the alarm on the dangers of skipping diagnostic tests, warning that such practices are accelerating the global crisis of antibiotic resistance. The call to action emerged from the 3rd Criticare Convention 2025, a two-day event focused on “Infectious Diseases in Critical Care,” organised by the Criticare Research Institute in partnership with the Association of Physicians of India, Vidarbha chapter.
Diagnostic Tests: A Crucial Line of Defense
At the convention, Dr. Camilla Rodrigues, a renowned microbiologist, emphasized the critical role of modern diagnostic tools. “Nowadays, very good diagnostic tests are available to detect precisely which kind of infection a patient has, allowing for targeted antibiotic or other drug prescriptions,” Dr. Rodrigues explained. She cautioned that reluctance to undergo these tests-often due to perceptions of cost or the belief that negative results are useless-contributes to the overuse of antibiotics, a primary driver of resistance.
Dr. Rodrigues warned, “We are deeply concerned that by 2050, more than 50 per cent of deaths worldwide could be attributed to antibiotic resistance.” She also highlighted the importance of adult vaccination against common infections like flu and pneumonia, noting, “The lesser the use of antibiotics, the better for your larger health”.
Over-the-Counter Antibiotics: A Growing Threat
Veteran infectious disease physician Dr. Rajeev Soman echoed these concerns, pointing to the rampant and often unsupervised use of antibiotics, frequently obtained over the counter. “Antibiotic resistance is a major issue, and doctors are worried. People are rampantly using antibiotics, often obtaining them over the counter, which is very dangerous,” Dr. Soman stated. He stressed that once resistance develops, antibiotics become ineffective, and with few new drugs in development, treatment options are dwindling.
Impact on Critical Care
Dr. Kapil Borawake, an expert in sepsis management, highlighted the dire consequences of antibiotic resistance in intensive care units. “It becomes extremely difficult to handle patients in critical condition in the ICU if they have antibiotic resistance,” he said, urging patients to seek prompt medical attention and early diagnosis to prevent severe infections and hospitalisation. Dr. Borawake noted that early detection could prevent up to 20 per cent of hospitalisations due to infectious diseases.
Key Preventive Measures
Experts at the convention outlined several strategies to combat antibiotic resistance:
-
Vaccination: Prevents infections, reducing the need for antibiotics.
-
Diagnostic Tests: Identify the specific infection, enabling targeted treatment.
-
Early Detection: Seeking timely medical help can prevent severe infections and hospitalisation.
-
No Over-the-Counter Antibiotics: Avoid self-medication; always consult a doctor.
The Road Ahead
The convention also featured discussions on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and its clinical implications, with presentations on managing tropical fevers in the ICU and the importance of stewardship in antibiotic use.
“Don’t shun diagnostic tests; they are preventive measures against antibiotic resistance,” experts concluded, urging both the public and healthcare professionals to embrace evidence-based practices for a healthier future.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on expert opinions and statements made at the 3rd Criticare Convention 2025 as reported by ET HealthWorld and other reputable sources. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment of any health condition, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Citations:
