41% of ICU Patients in Bangladesh Resist All Antibiotics: IEDCR

The Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control, and Research (IEDCR) has revealed that 41% of patients in intensive care units (ICUs) are not responding to any available antibiotics, highlighting a critical rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Bangladesh.

The findings were presented at the official launch of the national AMR surveillance report at IEDCR’s new building in Mohakhali on 24 November.

Antibiotic Resistance Highest Among Young Patients

IEDCR Chief Scientific Officer Professor Dr Zakir Hossain Habib said the report paints a grim picture of “superbugs” defying treatment. The surveillance, conducted from July 2024 to June 2025, analysed data from over 96,477 patients across the country.

Samples from five ICUs were tested against 71 antibiotics, with a significant portion showing no effectiveness. Pan-Drug-Resistant (PDR) organisms, resistant to all antibiotics tested, were found in 7% of all samples, rising to 41% in ICU samples. Multi-Drug-Resistant (MDR) pathogens accounted for 46% of all isolates and 89% in ICUs.

Dr Habib warned, “Unregulated antibiotic use is driving AMR to a critical level. This is now a major public health threat.” He urged the public: “Save antibiotics, save yourself.”

Dhaka Leads in High Antibiotic Consumption

The report revealed that Dhaka alone accounts for 57% of all antibiotics used nationwide, reflecting the city’s high patient volume, numerous specialised hospitals, and broader healthcare access. Other high-consumption regions include Rajshahi, Chattogram, Khulna, Barishal, Rangpur, and Sylhet.

High antibiotic use was particularly observed among patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs). Alarmingly, the use of WHO Watch-Group antibiotics—essential for human medicine—rose from 77% to 90.9%. Ceftriaxone (33%) and Meropenem (16%) remained the most frequently used antibiotics.

Top 10 Antibiotics Used Nationwide:

Ceftriaxone, Cefixime, Meropenem, Ciprofloxacin, Azithromycin, Amoxicillin, Metronidazole, Cloxacillin, Piperacillin–Tazobactam, and Vancomycin.

IEDCR Director Professor Dr Tahmina Shirin emphasised that misuse of antibiotics is deepening Bangladesh’s AMR crisis. She warned against taking antibiotics without consulting a registered physician, noting that advice from unqualified practitioners or pharmacies often contributes to resistance.

“People often take antibiotics from pharmacies or quacks without proper medical guidance, and in many cases, this leads to resistance,” she said. Public awareness and strict prescription rules are essential to combat this growing threat.