Could Common Antibiotics Be Losing Their Power Against Shigellosis In Keralam?

Cases of shigellosis in Keralam have raised a fresh antimicrobial resistance concern.

Data from the Keralam Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network indicates growing resistance to antibiotics commonly used against the infection.

Shigellosis is a bacterial infection that can cause diarrhoea and dysentery.

Doctors often rely on antibiotics when patients develop severe disease.

Increasing resistance could make standard treatments less effective.

The latest findings highlight the need for closer monitoring of Shigella and its response to medicines.

Keralam established KARS-NET to track antimicrobial resistance across the State.

The network collects laboratory data and helps health authorities identify emerging resistance patterns.

Keralam has built a broad surveillance system covering public and private healthcare facilities.

The network supports standardised testing and regular analysis of resistance data. These measures can help doctors select appropriate antibiotics and strengthen treatment guidelines.

Earlier research from South Keralam recorded substantial multidrug resistance among Shigella isolates.

A study found that 91.6% of the isolates examined were multidrug-resistant. It reported complete resistance to several commonly used antibiotics, including nalidixic acid, ciprofloxacin and cotrimoxazole.

The emerging trend reinforces the importance of responsible antibiotic use.

Regular laboratory testing, timely surveillance and evidence-based prescribing remain essential.

Keralam’s experience shows why antimicrobial resistance requires sustained attention beyond hospitals.

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