US Health Professionals give strong message to fast food chains to stay clear of Antibiotics

Contributed by Siddarth David & Dr. Tamhankar

In order to address the problem of indiscriminate use of antibiotics in animal produce used in fast-food chains, doctors sign a letter to the popular chain Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), to commit to sourcing only from farms that use antibiotics for treatment purposes. The doctors in the state of Kentucky which bears the name of global chain, have written the letter to the KFC, urging them to be strict about the farms they get their produce.

One of the signatories Dr. Anne Wallis said that  irresponsible antibiotic use promotes the evolution of disease-resistant bacteria in the food supply and as citizens one has the right to ensure that the food consumed comes from producers who restrain their antibiotic use. Another signatory Dr. Lisbeth Fowler pointed out that restaurants can play an important role in protecting the efficacy of antibiotics by serving produce that complies with judicious use of antibiotics.

This is a very positive step by concerned healthcare providers in the attempt to reduce antibiotic resistance, to go beyond the clinical settings and look at the environmental factors which contribute to the issue. Such advocacy is critical to ensure that all aspects of this multi-pronged problem are dealt with. Doctors using their position and voice to push for public health change is a powerful tool. It is an example for clinicians elsewhere, including in India to raise their voice on important health issues including antibiotic resistance.

Patients want Evidence-based information on antibiotic resistance: UK Study

Contribute by Siddarth David & Dr. Tamhankar

Knowledge is tool to empower patients on antibiotic resistance, is what findings from research published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research has pointed out. Researchers from the National Institute for Health Research and Imperial College London studied the use of different antimicrobial information resources with a focus on electronic platforms by patients as well as whether there is demand for an evidence-based information on electronic media like apps by patients on infections and antibiotic prescribing.

The findings show that a majority of respondents who took part in the  study wanted to have specific etiological and infection management advice and all required antibiotic-related information. It also showed that they preferred the use of electronic resources of information, including apps. Additionally, the study concluded that there is a need for health care professionals to engage with patients and help address common misconceptions around the generation of antimicrobial resistance.

This is another boost to advocate for building awareness among the people on the perils of antibiotic abuse and resistance. Initiatives to provide information and make it  a topic of public discourse is vital to ensure that patients a key link in the process of tackling antibiotic resistance are updated and equipped with the knowledge. This should be made part of the policy to look antibiotic resistance as a critical public health concern in India, to endure people's participation in this process.