“Do not ignore diagnostic tests; they are crucial preventive measures against antibiotic resistance,” declared experts at the 3rd Criticare Convention 2025, which concluded on Sunday. The two-day event, organized by the Criticare Research Institute in association with the Association of Physicians of India (API), Vidarbha chapter, focused on the theme of ‘Infectious Diseases in Critical Care.’ The convention highlighted the urgent need to address the growing global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
The Role of Diagnostic Tests in Preventing Resistance
Dr. Camilla Rodrigues, a renowned microbiologist and diagnostics expert, emphasized the significance of utilizing advanced diagnostic tools. “Today, highly effective diagnostic tests are available to accurately identify the type of infection a patient has, allowing for precise antibiotic or drug prescriptions,” she explained.
However, she noted that many people still hesitate to undergo these tests, often perceiving them as unnecessary or too expensive. “It is vital to understand that these tests help prevent the misuse of antibiotics, which can contribute to resistance. If this continues, by 2050, over 50% of global deaths could be attributed to antibiotic resistance,” she cautioned.
Dr. Rodrigues also advocated for adult vaccination against common infections such as flu and pneumonia as a means to reduce antibiotic usage, stating “The less you use antibiotics, the better it is for your long-term health.”
Concerns Over Rampant Antibiotic Usage
Veteran infectious disease physician Dr. Rajeev Soman echoed these concerns, highlighting the dangers of indiscriminate antibiotic consumption. “Antibiotic resistance is a significant issue, and doctors are genuinely worried. People are using antibiotics excessively, often obtaining them over the counter without prescriptions. This is extremely dangerous,” he warned.
Dr. Soman stressed that medical practitioners need to educate the public on the risks of overusing antibiotics. “Once resistance develops, that antibiotic becomes useless. Globally, the number of effective antibiotics is limited, and new ones are not being developed easily due to high R&D costs,” he added.
Way Forward: Strengthening Diagnostic Awareness
The experts concluded the session with a strong message: diagnostic tests are not just about detecting infections but are a critical tool in the global fight against AMR. Increasing awareness and access to these tests, alongside responsible antibiotic use, can significantly reduce the threat of antibiotic resistance and safeguard global health for the future.
