Archive · 20 Nov 2025
India's Superbug Crisis: Clarification Needed on Lancet Study
A study in The Lancet found that many Indian patients had bacteria that can't be killed by many antibiotics.
However, the Indian government says this doesn't mean there's a big problem with superbug infections in India.
The study only looked at sick people in hospitals, not the general public.
Other studies show that India has fewer superbug infections than many other countries.
83.1% of Indian patients in a Lancet study carried multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs)
Study measured colonization, not infection, which is common in healthcare settings
NCDC clarifies that the study's interpretation is scientifically inaccurate and misleading
Indian patients in the study were high-risk, hospital-exposed, and had chronic illnesses
India's national AMR surveillance data shows lower rates of several resistant infections compared to Western countries
- Who
- High-risk patients in India, Italy, the Netherlands, and the United States
- What
- Carried multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs)
- When
- Study conducted between January 2022 and October 2024
- Where
- Hospitals and communities in the mentioned countries
- Why
- Due to overuse of antibiotics, lack of hygiene, and other factors
Study Interpretation
NCDC Clarification
Study Findings
Study Interpretation
83.1% of Indian patients carried MDROs
NCDC Clarification
Study measured colonization, not infection
Patient Group
Study Interpretation
Generalization to entire Indian population
NCDC Clarification
High-risk, hospital-exposed patients with chronic illnesses
Indian Infection Rates
Study Interpretation
Highest globally
NCDC Clarification
Lower than Western countries according to national AMR surveillance data
- Study
- Published in Lancet eClinical Medicine
- Sample Size
- 1,200 respondents across four countries
- Procedure
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
- Indian Patients with MDROs
- 83.1%
- Global Average with MDROs
- 37%
Sources
Why ‘superbug explosion’ must worry India more than others
India shows lower MRSA, VRE rates than US, Europe despite high microbial colonisation
India's Superbug Crisis: Lancet Data Misinterpreted, Says Government Body
Antimicrobial Resistance: These Are India's Most Overused Antibiotics
9 Everyday Habits That Increase Your Risk of Carrying Superbugs
