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The Department of Microbiology at KJSMC are actively participating in the WHO project titled "Strengthening the Quality of AMR Surveillance using Automated AST Systems". This study is part of Phase 2 of the project, following the successful completion of Phase 1 titled "Surveillance of Multi-drug Resistant (MDR), Extensively-drug Resistant (XDR), and Pan-drug Resistant (PDR) Organisms in Healthcare Facilities Using Automated Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST) Systems - A Large-Scale National Multicentric Study." Both phases are collaborative efforts under the auspices of the World Health Organization (WHO), with JIPMER Puducherry serving as the nodal center for the initiative.
The aim of Phase 1 was to establish a nationwide surveillance system for tracking the prevalence of MDR, XDR, and PDR organisms across healthcare facilities in India. The project utilized automated AST systems to standardize antimicrobial resistance (AMR) testing methodology among various participating centers, ensuring consistent data collection and analysis. This multicentric approach allowed for a comprehensive national overview of AMR trends, enhancing our understanding of the spread and emergence of drug-resistant pathogens in hospital settings.
Now in Phase 2 (November 2024 to October 2025), the project continues to build on the successes of Phase 1 by strengthening AMR surveillance at a larger scale, optimizing the use of automated AST systems to improve the quality and efficiency of resistance data. The primary objective of this phase is to further standardize antimicrobial resistance surveillance across participating centers, allowing for deeper insights into regional and national trends in AMR. This will not only contribute to the global efforts to combat AMR but will also assist in shaping national strategies for antimicrobial stewardship, ultimately helping to curb the spread of drug-resistant infections across the country.
The project aims to raise awareness of the increasing threat of AMR and promote better practices in infection control and antimicrobial stewardship in healthcare settings. By collecting consistent, high-quality data on AMR patterns, the study will provide critical information for improving national and international response strategies to the growing threat of resistant infections. Our team is committed to ensuring the successful implementation of this pivotal project, with no external sponsor or funding required for this initiative.
By contributing to the global fight against AMR, this study aims to enhance both public health outcomes and infection prevention protocols at a national level, ensuring more effective treatment options for patients in the future
