Question : Drug-Resistant Klebsiella

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether certain cases of contraction of Klebsiella, resistant to a number of third generation antibiotics and related casualties have been reported recently from various hospitals in the country and if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise;

(b) the corrective measures taken/ proposed to be taken by the Government to contain the bug and provide treatment to the infected patients;

(c) whether the Government proposes to develop new antibiotics in view of the rising number of cases of antimicrobialresistance for pathogens in the country; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI JAGAT PRAKASH NADDA)

(a) to (d): A statement is laid on the Table of the House

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO. 289* FOR 18TH DECEMBER, 2015

(a) to (d): Yes. Klebsiella, a bacteria, is increasingly acquiring resistance to third generation antibiotics. Infections due to such resistant Klebsiella strains of bacteria does result in morbidity and mortality. High percentage of resistance has been reported from few hospitals, however, at present there is no country wide data available on antimicrobial resistance in Klebsiella strains of public health importance.
The Government is aware of high rate of antimicrobial resistance to common pathogens of public health importance including Kleibsiella. A National programme on containment of antimicrobial resistance under 12th five year plan has been launched which aims to gather Anti-Microbial Resistance data for common bacterial pathogens including Klebsiella nationwide on regular basis through surveillance activities.
The resistant strains of Kleibsiella are currently contained by strengthening the hospital infection control practices and promoting rational use of antibiotics.