Last-Line antibiotics

Last-Line antibiotics: Recently, Indian infectious disease experts warned that the overuse of powerful antibiotics is accelerating antimicrobial resistance (AMR), making vital last-line treatments ineffective.

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR): AMR in a person occurs when micro-organism (bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites) change over time and no longer respond to medicines designed to inhibit or kill them. 

o It makes infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death.

o These micro-organisms are often known as “superbugs”.

• Last-mile antibiotics: They are the 'last line of defence' for antibiotic resistant pathogen infections. 
• New Antibiotics: Cefiderocol and Cefepime-zidebactam are expected in India soon.

o These drugs should only be used as last-resort treatments.

o Calls for the implementation of antibiotic stewardship protocols and strict regulatory measures to prevent misuse.