Bangladesh is facing a severe antibiotic resistance crisis, with many widely used and essential antibiotics losing their effectiveness against deadly bacteria. An analysis of 46,279 patient samples collected from hospitals across the country shows that numerous commonly prescribed drugs are no longer able to kill harmful pathogens.
As a result, treatment of even common infections is becoming increasingly difficult. Patients are requiring longer ICU stays, medical expenses are rising, and mortality risks are growing at an alarming rate.
These findings are detailed in the annual research report of the Microbiology and Immunology Department of Bangladesh Medical University (BMU). The university released its 'Antimicrobial Resistance Report 2024-2025' on Monday during an event marking 'World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2025.'
According to the report, a high level of antibiotic resistance was detected in the analyzed samples. Key drugs such as ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin, ceftriaxone, gentamicin, and even critical antibiotics like meropenem, and tigecycline are rapidly losing their efficacy.
Bacteria were found in 24 percent of the tested samples-11,108 cases. Resistance to ciprofloxacin and amoxicillin has risen sharply in E.coli detected in urine samples. In blood samples, Salmonella Typhi showed the highest levels of resistance to ciprofloxacin.
The most alarming situation involves Acinetobacter, which has developed high resistance to nearly all widely used antibiotics, posing a severe threat to hospitalized patients. In addition, resistance to antifungal drugs has increased in pneumonia-causing Klebsiella bacteria and in Candida infections frequently seen in ICUs.
BMU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Md Shahinul Alam, the chief guest at the event, said universities must take the lead in research, guideline development, and implementation to combat antimicrobial resistance.
Prof Dr Md Sayedur Rahman, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, in a video message, warned that humanity may face a crisis within the next 10-15 years, where medicines exist but can no longer fight infections effectively.
BMU Microbiology Department Chairman Prof Dr Abu Naser Ibne Sattar identified misuse of antibiotics, self-medication, incomplete courses, and excessive antibiotic use in livestock as major drivers of resistance.
He urged the public not to take antibiotics without a prescription, to complete full courses, and to maintain proper hygiene.
