Due to unscrupulous use of antibiotics there has been significant increase in Antibiotic Resistance in last two decades.
We at North Delhi Pathology Clinic compared the culture & sensitivity data of 2001 and 2006. We observed that there was a marked decrease (20-30%) in sensitivity to almost all commonly used groups of Antibiotics during the period. There was a significant increase in the number of bacteria which were sensitive to only injectable and / or antibiotics not available in India indicating resistance to locally available and commonly used (misused by quacks, patients etc) antibiotics. We expect treating Doctor and Patient can solve this problem by taking extra care otherwise we may end up in pre-antibiotic era.

Expectations from treating Doctor:

• Culture should be performed in all suspicious cases (Avoid empiric therapy).
• If given, stop empiric antibiotics quickly once it appears that bacterial infection is unlikely.
• Proper Sample Collection should be explained to the patient.
• Contamination / Colonization should not be treated.
• Antibiotics in approved dose and duration should be prescribed only if bacterial infection is present.
• Educate patient about the importance of completing their course of antibiotics as instructed.

Expectations from Patients

• Patient should be aware of the fact that all infections are not bacterial.
• Antibiotics should be taken strictly as per advice of treating clinicians.
• Complete course of antibiotics should be taken.
• Best way to control infection is good hygiene.

Antibiotic Sensitivity Pattern 2001 vs 2006 Organism E.Coil