Recent research conducted at AIIMS Bhopal between January and June 2025 has revealed alarming findings about the declining effectiveness of many commonly used antibiotics. This study raises serious concerns in medical science about the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance, which is making infections harder to treat and significantly prolonging recovery times.

One key finding of the AIIMS report is how the antibiotic ciprofloxacin, once widely prescribed for urinary tract infections (UTIs), now shows only a 39% effectiveness against E. coli bacteria. This means it fails to work in about 6 out of every 10 patients suffering from these infections. Another important drug, meropenem, used to treat severe infections caused by Klebsiella pneumonia—responsible for many lung and bloodstream infections—is now effective in just 52% of cases. These antibiotics, previously considered "strong" weapons against infection, are losing their power as bacteria develop resistance.

Fortunately, some antibiotics like nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin remain effective for treating UTIs, and hospital-administered amikacin is still useful against dangerous infections like Pseudomonas in intensive care units. This indicates that medicines themselves are not weak but that bacteria are evolving to withstand certain treatments.

Experts attribute this growing resistance primarily to the improper and excessive use of antibiotics. Dr. Pankaj Shukla, former director of the Madhya Pradesh Health Department, explains that over-the-counter use of antibiotics without prescriptions, incomplete courses of treatment, and prescribing antibiotics for viral infections are driving bacteria to change and resist drugs. A 2021-22 study by ICMR, NHM, and AIIMS Bhopal found that in many major hospitals antibiotics were prescribed without proper microbiological tests, which leads to inappropriate use.

As a solution, Dr. Shukla urges that antibiotics should not be used for every fever or viral illness, as most viral infections resolve within a few days on their own. Instead, before prescribing antibiotics, doctors should conduct culture and sensitivity tests to identify the bacteria causing the infection and determine which antibiotics will be effective. This targeted approach can help curb resistance and improve treatment outcomes.

In conclusion, while antibiotics remain critical in fighting infections, their waning effectiveness against certain bacteria highlights the urgent need for responsible use, appropriate diagnostics, and continued research to preserve the power of these essential medicines and protect public health.