New superbug destroying coating against bacteria and fungi

Contributed by Dr. Ashok Tamhankar & Dr. Nishtha Khatri

It has been recently discovered that an ultra-thin 2D material unit is effective against a broad range of drug-resistant bacteria as well as fungi. This material has a coating of black phosphorus which has been known to have antibacterial and antifungal properties even against drug resistant strains in lieu of its cellular oxidising properties. While we often recognise the burden of bacterial infections, the burden of fungal infections too cannot be ignored as can be seen with the rising incidence of Aspergillus in hospitalised COVID-19 patients. This novel ultra thin invention could be seen as a novel superbug destroying coating that might be used in wound dressings and implants providing a new hope against drug resistant strains.

New ray of hope against COVID-19

Contributed by Dr. Ashok Tamhankar and Dr. Nishtha Khatri

Nitric Oxide Nasal Spray (NONS) has been previously tested for effectiveness in various viral infections such as influenza and H1N1. Currently, several clinical trials with NORS have been conducted to determine its safety and efficacy in COVID-19 treatment as well as prevention. As per results obtained from a randomised  double-blind, placebo controlled phase II trial, the NONS nasal spray significantly reduced the viral load of SARS-CoV-2 (99 % in 72 hours). Moreover, no major adverse events were reported. NONS could seem as a ray of hope in our fight against COVID-19.

 

 

Role of UV disinfection in inactivation of antibiotic resistance genes

 Contributed by Dr. Ashok Tamhankar and Dr. Nishtha Khatri 

Ultraviolet (UV) light is emerging as an important source to prevent antibiotic resistance. UV light has shown a potential to effectively damage DNA and thereby prevent the transfer of genetic material from a resistant organism to a susceptible one. Recently, LED are making their appearance as a source of UV radiation over and above the conventional sources such as mercury lamps which are barely used these days. LED are a safer alternative since the light emitted is more easily tuned for better absorption by DNA and repair proteins. In a recent study, it was seen that UV light can effectively destroy antibiotic resistance genes. However, due to lack of evidence in this arena, more studies will be required to establish the interrelatedness between UV light and the inactivation of antibiotic resistance genes.

 

Online Discussion on 4th March 2021 from 17:00-19:00 (IST)

WHO cancer Centre for LMIC, Mumbai and Indian Initiative for Management of Antibiotic Resistance, India 

Present

Online Discussion on 4th March 2021 from 17:00-19:00 (IST) 

 

Venue: Online: https://ki-se.zoom.us/j/654354616

Theme: Drugs, Antimicrobial Resistance and allied 

 

Moderators: Dr. Ashok Tamhankar and Dr. Nishtha Khatri

 

Agenda:

1.Challenges of One Health Antibiotic Stewardship in rural community settings

Presentation: 17:00 – 17:40 & and Q&A: 17:40 – 18:00

Speaker: Dr. Meenakshi Gautham

London School of hygiene and Tropical Medicine

Discussants: Dr. Vishal Diwan: Scientist at ICMR- National Institute for Research in Environmental Health (NIREH) & Dr. KV Arulalan: Primary care pediatrician, chief consultant, A A Childcare, Vellore; Former President, IMA, Vellore

2. Bacteriophage therapy as an alternative therapeutic strategy for MRSA infections

Presentation: 18:00 – 18:30; and Q&A: 18:30 – 19:00

Speaker: Dr. Archana L., PhD scholar, Antibiotic Resistance and Phage Therapy Lab, VIT, Vellore

Discussants: Dr. Geetu Bhandoria: Gyne-Oncologist and Obstetrician, Command Hospital, Kolkata and  Member, Junior Editorial Board, International Journal of Gyn Cancer & Dr. Bhakti Sarang,  Consultant WHOCC for research in surgical care delivery in LMICs, Mumbai & Associate Professor, Surgery, Terna Medical College and Hospital, Navi Mumbai

Artificial sweeteners promote dissemination of antibiotic resistance

Contributed by Dr. Ashok Tamhankar & Dr. Nishtha Khatri 

Laboratory studies on four commonly used artificial sweeteners (saccharin, sucralose, aspartame, and acesulfame potassium), indicate that they can exist in human body in concentrations of up to hundreds of mg/L. This occurs these sweeteners  are not generally metabolized and are also found in sub-surface water and the effluent of wastewater treatment plants where they can promote Antimicrobial Gene Transfer by conjugation at environmentally and clinically relevant concentrations to other microbes. More research is necessary to determine how much this can occur in the human gut and urinary systems. Sweeteners have recently been found to be associated with shifts in the gut microbiota similar to those caused by antibiotics. When we think about antimicrobial resistance, we must keep in mind the potential risk posed by artificial sweeteners. 

New pipeline anti-viral drug against COVID-19

 Contributed by: Dr. Nishtha Khatri & Dr. Tamhankar

Molnupiravir (EIDD-2801) is a new therapeutic and prophylactic drug being evaluated against COVID-19. It is a ribonucleoside analogue inhibitor of influenza virus and its mechanism of action is based on induction of error catastrophe in virus replication. The journal nature has published that in vivo research studies have shown that EIDD-2801 is efficacious in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 replication. Currently, phase II/III clinical trials are being conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of EIDD-2801 in prevention and treatment of COVID-19. Since we still do not have a definitive treatment against COVID-19, immediate research initiatives as above are needed to explore the potential anti-viral treatments to combat SARS-CoV-2.

One health global leaders group on antimicrobial resistance

Contributed by Dr. Nishtha Khatri and Dr. Ashok Tamhankar 

The WHO inaugural meeting of one health global leaders group on antimicrobial resistance took place recently this month. During the inaugural meeting, it was discussed that we must act together on urgent interventions  aimed at combating AMR. Besides this, the meeting also laid emphasis on a coordinated approach and appropriate implementation of national action plans, research and development. The multi-sectoral problems posed by AMR on humans, animals, economic productivity and the environment was also highlighted during this meeting., Finally, to end with AMR was featured as a slow motion pandemic and a global threat that deserves our immediate attention.

At present, we see a notable representation of Indian doctors within the WHO. Dr. Harsh Vardhan is the current chair of the WHO executive board while Dr. Sunita Narain is a member of the Global Leaders Group on Antimicrobial Resistance. 

COVID-19 Pandemic and Antimicrobial Resistance

Contributed by Dr. Ashok Tamhankar and Dr. Nishtha Khatri

The COVID-19 Pandemic seems to have had a huge impact on Public Health. Use of antibiotics in patients suffering from COVID-19 is mainly focused on the secondary bacterial co-infection which is often seen in patients suffering from COVID-19. The article by Duin et al. in JAC-antimicrobial resistance debates out the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on Antimicrobial Resistance. At a time when Antimicrobial Resistance is in itself considered as a pandemic in waiting, it would be interesting to keep a watch on the surge in use of antibiotics in the COVID era. For details see: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7454677/

 

Welcome Dr. Nishtha Khatri

We welcome Dr. Nishtha Khatri, M.B.B.S, M.D. as a Scientific Blogger, Research Associate and Blog Coordinator at IIMAR. Dr. Nishtha Khatri completed her MD in Pharmacology from the very prestigious Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai and is currently  an Asstt Professor at Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital. She has good experience in the arena pertaining to Antibiotics and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).  

Dr. Ashok Tamahankar

National Coordinator, IIMAR

India`s First Nationwide Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Campaign

by

Indian Initiative for Management of Antibiotic Resistance (IIMAR)

Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week

November 13th to 19th, 2017

Dr. Ashok  Tamhankar 
National Coordinator, IIMAR
You can view the progress of the campaign on the map at   IIMAR`s Antibiotic Resistance Awareness campaign 2017

IIMAR has planned to conduct India’s first nationwide antimicrobial resistance awareness campaign during November 13th to 19th, 2017 in association with Doctors For You -DFY, Mumbai and Antibiotic Resistance Lab, VIT university, Vellore. WHO has announced world antibiotic awareness week during Nov, 13th-19th, 2017 with a theme “Seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional before taking antibiotics” and we will emphasize this in our campaign.

In line with the thought process of the "Action against Antimicrobial Resistance operationalization plan consultation" held in Delhi, we propose to organize a sensitisation and awareness campaign among medical, nursing and pharmacy workforce and general public across states in India.

The campaign will involve components such as lectures, videos, distribution of pamphlets/ brochures, poster making competition, slogan competition, essay competition,  media campaigns, internet based social media etc.

We also plan to disseminate the antibiotic resistance awareness message through community radio stations across India.

We invite you to join and help us in any way you can (human resource, materials, funds etc as per your wish).  Please mail us at iimaraction@gmail.com or antibio.resistance@gmail.com