The 14th annual conference of the Clinical Infectious Diseases Society (CIDS), called CIDSCON 2024, began on Friday at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre. This conference provides a platform for discussing the latest developments and challenges in managing infectious diseases in India.
Two major public health threats were the focus of the conference: Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and emerging infections. AMR is often referred to as a “silent pandemic” because of its harmful effects, especially in India, which has one of the highest rates of drug-resistant infections in the world. Every year, about one million people in India die because of AMR, contributing to an estimated five million deaths globally. It is predicted that by 2050, AMR could cause ten million deaths annually, surpassing deaths caused by cancer.
The rise of AMR is mainly due to the misuse and overuse of antibiotics, making many medical treatments less effective. In India, certain Gram-negative bacteria like Klebsiella, Escherichia coli, and Acinetobacter are the main causes. For example, gut bacteria like E. coli and Klebsiella have developed a resistance mechanism called Extended Spectrum Beta-lactamases (ESBL) in 70-80% of cases. The spread of carbapenem resistance has led to mortality rates as high as 40%.
To fight AMR, CIDS has been promoting antimicrobial stewardship programs across healthcare facilities in India. These programs aim to ensure that antibiotics are used only when necessary and in the right way. There is also a need for research to develop new diagnostics and antibiotics.
CIDS is calling for more funding and collaboration between the public and private sectors to drive innovation in this area. They stress the importance of enhancing AMR surveillance networks, which would allow for better data sharing and informed decision-making.
Improving infection prevention and control (IPC) measures in hospitals and communities is also vital. This includes practices like hand hygiene, sterilization protocols, and vaccination programs to prevent infections and reduce the need for antibiotics. Educating the public on the dangers of antibiotic misuse and the importance of following prescribed treatments is another key focus for CIDS. They continue to work on raising public awareness to tackle this critical issue.
