Antimicrobial susceptibility profile & resistance mechanisms of Global Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (GLASS) priority pathogens from India

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global health challenge, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs.
• Drug-resistant infections are increasingly difficult to treat, necessitating localized data to guide effective empirical therapy.
• Limited surveillance studies in India hinder the understanding of the true burden of AMR nationally.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the cumulative antibiogram of Global Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (GLASS) priority pathogens in India.
• To identify and report the resistance mechanisms employed by these priority pathogens within the Indian context.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of existing surveillance data and published literature on antimicrobial resistance in India.
• Analysis of cumulative antibiogram data for GLASS priority pathogens.
• Compilation of information on identified resistance mechanisms.

Main Results:

• The review synthesizes available data on the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance among key pathogens in India.
• It highlights significant resistance rates, posing challenges for standard treatment guidelines.
• Common resistance mechanisms observed in Indian isolates are detailed.

Conclusions:

• There is a critical need for robust, nationwide surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in India.
• Understanding pathogen-specific resistance patterns and mechanisms is essential for developing targeted interventions and optimizing antimicrobial use.
• The findings underscore the urgency for national strategies to combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance in India.