Srinagar, March 11, 2006 (Kashmir Newz Specials):

Loosing the arsenal

Studies at the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Srinagar, suggest the third generation cephalosporin’s -a class of antibiotics- are fast losing their efficacy in curing diseases.

The findings are a cause of worry for doctors who are losing their arsenal against microbes. At this pace, they say it can lead to a ‘health disaster’.

The first and second generation cephalosporin’s have already lost their efficacy due to the evolution of these microbes. But the speed at which these drugs are being rendered useless has set the alarm bells ringing among the physician community.

Cephalosporin’s are a class of antibiotics (anti-infective agents) used to treat various infections. These are grouped into "generations" by their antimicrobial properties.

The first cephalosporins were designated first generation while later, more extended spectrum cephalosporins were classified as second generation cephalosporin’s. Each newer generation of cephalosporins has significantly greater Gram-negative antimicrobial properties than the preceding generation, in most cases with decreased activity against Gram-positive organisms. . .

Hospitals lack proper segregation facilities, which mean infectious patients end up infecting others. Lack of proper sterilisation techniques and waste management in Kashmir hospitals has worsened the situation.

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