Antimicrobial Resistance: The 'Other' Pandemic: Based on 9th Dr. I. C. Verma Excellence Award for Young Pediatricians Delivered as Oration on 19th Sept. 2021

Antimicrobial resistance is projected to kill 10 million people by 2050. The biggest driver of antimicrobial resistance is excessive/unrestricted use of antimicrobials in humans and animals. Antimicrobial resistance is a problem in all types of pathogens including bacteria, mycobacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites both globally and India and in both adults and children. The areas of greatest concern for India is the epidemic of MDR and XDR tuberculosis and resistance in gram-negative pathogens. The alarming rate of extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) production in Enterobacteriales in both community and health care–associated infections is driving carbapenem use. Rates of carbapenem resistance are now significantly high in health care–associated gram negative pathogens with associated high mortality rates. The key solution to this antimicrobial resistance crisis needs participation of all stakeholders and lies in promoting rational antimicrobial therapy.