Open Access Highly Accessed Research

“Save Antibiotics, Save lives”: an Indian success story of infection control through persuasive diplomacy

A Ghafur1*, V Nagvekar2, S Thilakavathy3, K Chandra4, R Gopalakrishnan5, PR Vidyalakshmi6 and Apollo Speciality Hospital, Chennai, India.

Author Affiliations

1 Consultant in Infectious Diseases and Clinical Mycology Apollo Specialty Hospital, 320 Anna Salai, Chennai, India

2 Registrar in Infectious Diseases Apollo Specialty Hospital, 320 Anna Salai, Chennai, India

3 Infection Control Nurse Apollo Specialty Hospital, 320 Anna Salai, Chennai, India

4 Junior Consultant in Infection Control Apollo Specialty Hospital, 320 Anna Salai, Chennai, India

5 Consultant in Infectious Diseases Apollo Specialty Hospital, 320 Anna Salai, Chennai, India

6 Registrar IN Infectious Diseases Apollo Speciality Hospital, 320 Anna Salai, Chennai, India

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Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control 2012, 1:29 doi:10.1186/2047-2994-1-29

Published: 29 August 2012

Abstract

Background

Carbapenem resistant Enterobacteriaceae is a worldwide threat, with increasing prevalence in many countries. Restricted usage of higher end antibiotics, especially carbapenem is of great importance in tackling these super bugs. Purpose of this retrospective study was to analyse the impact of antibiotic stewardship activities on the prevalence of carbapenem resistant Enterobacteriaceae in our hospital.

Findings

In the first Quarter of 2009, average usage of carbapenem group of antibiotics was 955 vials a month while in 2010, the usage dropped to 745 vials per month. Carbapenem resistant E.coli rate dropped from 3.7% in 2009 to 1.6% in 2010 and Klebsiella rate reduced from 6% in 2009 to 3.6% in 2010.

Conclusions

Strict antibiotic stewardship strategies in conjunction with good infection control practices are useful in restricting higher end antibiotic usage and reducing the prevalence of carbapenem resistant Enterobacteriaceae.

Keywords:
Carbapenem resistance; Superbug; Antibiotic usage; Antibiotic stewardship; Success story; Indian hospitals; Oncology; Infection control