Q. Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India?

  1. Genetic predisposition of some people
  2. Taking incorrect doses of antibiotics to cure diseases
  3. Using antibiotics in livestock farming
  4. Multiple chronic diseases in some people

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  • 1 and 2
  • 2 and 3 only
  • 1, 3 and 4
  • 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only

Multidrug-resistant
  • Multidrug-resistant organisms are bacteria that have become resistant to certain antibiotics, and these antibiotics can no longer be used to control or kill the bacteria. Bacteria that resist treatment with more than one antibiotic are called multidrug-resistant organisms.
  • Reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India are –
    • Taking incorrect doses of antibiotics to cure diseases.
    • The use of a high volume of antibiotics in livestock farming contributes to the development of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria.
      • These bacteria can be transmitted from animals to humans via direct contact with animals, or through the food chain and the environment. 
    • Inadequate sanitary conditions.
    • Inappropriate food handling, and
    • Poor infection control.
  • Antibiotics:
    • Antibiotics are remarkable drugs capable of killing biological organisms in one’s body without harming the body.
    • These are used for everything from preventing infections during surgeries to protecting cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
      • India is the world’s largest consumer of antibiotics. India’s excessive antibiotic usage is leading to a powerful never before seen mutation within bacteria.
  • Drug Resistance:
    • Drug resistance happens when one overuses antibiotics in the treatment of humans, animals as well as plants.
      • When a new antibiotic is introduced, it can have great, even lifesaving results but only for some time. After that, the bacteria adapts and gradually the antibiotics become less effective.
    • Antibiotic resistance has the potential to affect people at any stage of life. When a person is infected with antibiotic resistant bacteria, not only the treatment of that patient becomes difficult, but antibiotic resistant bacteria may spread to other people as well.
    • When antibiotics do not work, the situation may lead to more complicated diseases, the use of stronger and expensive drugs and gradually more deaths caused by bacterial infections.
    • The spread of antibiotic resistance worldwide is undermining decades of progress in fighting bacterial infections.
Genetic predisposition
  • A genetic predisposition (sometimes also called genetic susceptibility) is an increased likelihood of developing a particular disease based on a person’s genetic makeup. A genetic predisposition results from specific genetic variations that are often inherited from a parent.
  • These genetic changes contribute to the development of a disease but do not directly cause it. Some people with a predisposing genetic variation will never get the disease while others will, even within the same family.
  • Genetic testing is able to identify individuals who are genetically predisposed to certain diseases.
Chronic Disease
  • Chronic disease or chronic illness is a health condition or disease that is persistent or otherwise long-lasting in its effects or a disease that comes with time.
  • Chronic diseases are defined broadly as conditions that last 1 year or more and require ongoing medical attention or limit activities of daily living or both.
  • Common chronic diseases include: diabetes, functional gastrointestinal disorder, eczema, arthritis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, autoimmune diseases, genetic disorders and some viral diseases such as hepatitis C and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.