Sri Lanka's alarming surge in last-resort antibiotic use demands urgent action

A new study published in BMC Pharmacology and Toxicology examines antibiotic use in a Northern Sri Lankan hospital over five years. The research reveals a worrying rise in broad-spectrum antibiotics, including carbapenems, which are critical last-resort treatments. It also identifies seasonal spikes linked to respiratory infections and hospital admissions. The study tracked antibiotic consumption patterns from 2018 to 2022. Researchers observed a steady increase in the use of broad-spectrum drugs, with carbapenems showing a particularly sharp rise. Seasonal peaks in antibiotic use coincided with higher rates of respiratory infections and hospitalisations.

The authors stress the need for action. They call for antimicrobial stewardship programs in Sri Lanka’s tertiary hospitals to monitor and control antibiotic prescribing. Investment in laboratory infrastructure is also urged to enable faster, more accurate diagnostics.

To combat resistance, the study recommends community education on proper antibiotic use. It also advocates for continuous surveillance systems to track consumption and resistance trends. The economic impact of resistance, including pressure on hospital and national healthcare budgets, is highlighted as a growing concern. The findings underscore the urgency of a coordinated global response to antibiotic resistance. The study proposes practical measures, such as stewardship programs and lab upgrades, to address the issue in vulnerable regions. Without intervention, rising resistance could further strain healthcare systems and patient outcomes.