VANCOMYCIN MAY NOT BE ABLE TO TREAT MRSA

Source: HINDU

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Context

Vancomycin has been reliable for treating Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) for decades as it is very rare that S. aureus becomes resistant to vancomycin. Now, researchers have found S. aureus can adapt to vancomycin.

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and Public Health

Read about AMR: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/antibiotics-resistance

 AMR is a significant public health crisis. Staphylococcus aureus, especially the methicillin-resistant strain (MRSA), plays a key role in this challenge. The bacteria have been responsible for tens of thousands of deaths globally.

Vancomycin has been the first-line treatment for MRSA infections, but new studies suggest its effectiveness may be under threat. 

The rise of vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) could lead to higher morbidity and mortality rates. As superbugs evolve, it is projected that drug-resistant bacteria could kill 39 million people by 2050 if effective measures are not taken.

The Government of India has taken steps through the National Action Plan on AMR to combat the superbug crisis, in line with global efforts like the World Health Organization's (WHO) Global Action Plan on AMR. These policies aim to promote the responsible use of antibiotics, invest in research, and develop alternative treatment options.

Staphylococcus aureus

It is a Gram-positive bacterium commonly found in the human body, particularly on the skin and in the nasal passages. While many people carry S. aureus without any harm, it can sometimes cause infections ranging from minor skin conditions to more serious systemic infections.

It produces the enzyme catalase, which helps the bacteria neutralize the harmful effects of hydrogen peroxide produced by immune cells. S. aureus can coagulate blood plasma, a feature that distinguishes it from other staphylococcal species. This property helps it evade the host’s immune system. It can grow in both oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor environments, making it adaptable to various conditions within the human body.  S.aureushas proteins that help it adhere to host tissues, contributing to its ability to colonize and infect. S. aureusis primarily transmitted via direct contact with an infected person or through contaminated objects.

Methicillin
Methicillin is a beta-lactam antibiotic that was originally used to treat infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus. 

MRSA is a group of Gram-positive bacteria that have developed resistance to several antibiotics, particularly beta-lactams, such as methicillin, oxacillin, and cephalosporins. This resistance arises through natural selection or gene transfer, making MRSA infections difficult to treat.  MRSA is commonly spread in hospitals and nursing homes, where patients with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to infection.

Initially, MRSA was primarily hospital-acquired (HA-MRSA), but over time, community-acquired (CA-MRSA) and livestock-acquired (LA-MRSA) strains have emerged, spreading beyond clinical environments.

MRSA is a significant public health concern, responsible for over 100,000 deaths related to antimicrobial resistance globally in 2019. Its prevalence in healthcare and community settings has prompted stricter hygiene measures, antibiotic stewardship, and the need for developing alternative treatments.

Vancomycin
Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic used as a last resort to treat MRSA and other severe bacterial infections. It works by inhibiting cell wall synthesis in bacteria.

Sources: 

HINDU

PRACTICE QUESTION  Q:Can overuse and free availability of antibiotics without Doctor’s prescription, be contributors to the emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and control? Critically discuss the various issues involved.  (250 Words) (UPSC CSE 2014)