The Visakhapatnam Research Centre of ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) has been actively researching Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in fish and shrimp species over the past three years. AMR poses a global health crisis, causing an estimated 700,000 deaths annually, with projections indicating a surge to 10 million deaths by 2050. A thorough analysis in 2019 revealed 4.95 million deaths associated with AMR, emphasizing its severe impact.
The main bacteria contributing to these deaths include Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Economically, AMR is expected to lead to a $100 trillion loss and a 3.5% reduction in GDP by 2050. This rising threat jeopardizes food security and sustainable development, making it imperative to address AMR effectively.
Dr. B. Madhusudana Rao, Principal Scientist at CIFT, highlighted the institution’s research efforts in collaboration with FAO, ICAR, and INFAAR network project. AMR occurs when microorganisms do not respond to standard doses of antimicrobial agents, making infectious disease treatment challenging. The inappropriate use of antimicrobials, such as overuse and abuse, is a major driver of AMR.
Moreover, the transfer of AMR between different bacterial species through horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is a concerning trend. Some bacteria are becoming multi-drug resistant (MDR), posing a serious health risk. The spread of AMR to pathogenic bacteria can result in severe consequences, including higher morbidity, mortality, treatment failures, poor prognosis, and increased healthcare costs.
Dr. Madhusudana Rao emphasized that the Visakhapatnam Centre of CIFT is actively studying AMR in bacteria isolated from fish and shrimp in aquaculture farms of Andhra Pradesh. The centre is also working on controlling AMR through natural alternatives. While initial results show no alarming signs regarding antibiotics of human health importance, continuous surveillance in the fisheries sector is crucial to mitigate the risks associated with AMR.
