Antibiotics Under Attack!

It had been almost a week of high fever and stomach aches for my 11-year-old niece, Ira. Having been stuck at home, she longed to go back to school. She missed her friends and was worried about missing her upcoming football match.

“Mummy, my stomach hurts so much. I miss my friends and playing football. When will I start feeling better?” she asked. Ira was in the sixth grade at one of the best convent schools in Delhi.

Ira’s pediatrician suspected typhoid and advised us to get some blood tests done: a Widal test to confirm the infection and an antibiotic susceptibility test to determine effective antibiotics. The results revealed that my sweet niece had indeed contracted typhoid, a bacterial infection commonly caused by Salmonella typhi.

Typhoid fever usually spreads through food or water contaminated with this bacteria. Common symptoms include high fever, headache, weakness, stomach pain, and diarrhea.

The results of the antibiotic susceptibility test would take another 2–3 days. In the meantime, Ira’s pediatrician started her on the antibiotic Cefixime. However, her fever remained stubbornly high.

Antibiotics are medicines that treat bacterial infections by killing bacteria or stopping their growth and multiplication.

When the test results came back a few days later, the pediatrician informed my sister (Ira’s mother): “I’m afraid Ira is infected with a strain of typhoid that requires stronger antibiotics. As this antibiotic must be administered through injection and cannot be taken orally, I recommend admitting her to the hospital.”

We quickly admitted her to a private hospital, where the doctors promptly started the required treatment. To our relief, the stronger antibiotic began to work, and Ira started feeling better.

“Ira is responding well to the antibiotic Ceftriaxone. It’s unfortunate she was infected with such a resistant strain. Nowadays, we must monitor whether antibiotics are working, so we can adjust treatment if needed. We’ll keep her in the hospital for another 3–4 days until her fever subsides. Afterward, she can go home and continue with oral antibiotics for a week,” the doctor explained.

As Ira’s health improved, her mood worsened. She became cranky about staying in the hospital and especially hated the needle inserted into the back of her hand for the antibiotics. During one of the doctor’s rounds, she burst out with questions.

“Doctor, why didn’t the first antibiotic work? I really don’t like needles. Why couldn’t I have this new medicine at home? How many more days do I need to stay here?”

“Woah, someone’s feeling better today!” the doctor laughed. “Don’t worry, Ira. You can go home tomorrow. As for your other questions, here’s the thing: When bacteria are exposed to antibiotics, weaker bacteria die, but some stubborn ones survive. These are called antibiotic-resistant bacteria. As they grow and multiply, they make antibiotics less effective at treating infections. Some bacteria even become resistant to multiple antibiotics—these are known as ‘superbugs.’ Now cheer up; you’ll be home tomorrow!”

My sister thanked the doctor. “Thank you so much for everything, doctor. We’re so glad Ira gets to go home tomorrow. Ira, why don’t you rest now?”

Little did I know that our curious girl had been thinking about the conversation all day.

In the evening, her grandfather Deepak, a general surgeon with over five decades of experience, visited.

“How’s my little girl feeling today? You know we were all so worried,” he asked warmly.

“I’m better now, Daadu, but I don’t like hospitals. I learned something new today, though—about antibiotics not always working,” Ira said proudly.

“Oh, it’s wonderful that you’re asking such questions, my sweet child,” Deepak Uncle said with a smile.

“Has it always been this way, Daadu? Antibiotics not working against infections?”

“No, it wasn’t always like this. When I started practicing medicine in the 1970s, we used to call antibiotics ‘magic bullets.’ They were so effective that even an antibiotic ointment could heal wounds miraculously. Back then, most antibiotics worked, and new ones were being developed regularly. That period, from the 1950s to the 1970s, was known as the ‘Golden Era’ of antibiotic development. But after that, fewer new antibiotics were developed,” he explained.

“Why did they stop making new antibiotics?” Ira asked.

“Well, pharmaceutical companies found that developing drugs for diseases like cancer was more profitable. Cancer treatments are often long-term and expensive, unlike antibiotics, which are usually taken for a short time. That’s why there are far fewer new antibiotics in development compared to thousands of drugs for cancer,” he said thoughtfully.

“At least we still have some,” Ira said optimistically. “They’ll be available soon, right?”

“It’s not that simple, my dear. Developing a new antibiotic takes 10–15 years and costs over a billion dollars. By the time it reaches hospitals, it could take another couple of years,” he explained.

“Oh, that long? So by the time we grow up, we might not have enough antibiotics to treat infections?” Ira asked worriedly.

“Yes, that’s a possibility if things don’t change,” her grandfather admitted.

My sister and I were quietly listening to this fascinating conversation.

“As your doctor mentioned, existing antibiotics are becoming less effective, and this problem will only worsen in the coming decades. That’s why it’s crucial to save the antibiotics we have now,” he told Ira, patting her back.

“Really? I can do something to help?” Ira asked eagerly.

“Of course! It all starts with us. You must take antibiotics only when prescribed by a doctor, always complete the full course, and never share them with others,” he explained.

My sister added, “And remember, prevention is better than cure. Practice good hygiene, drink clean water, and eat properly cooked food. Staying healthy means you won’t need antibiotics in the first place.”

“Wow! I had no idea antibiotics were so important. When I go back to school next week, I’ll tell all my classmates about this!” Ira declared with determination.

Her resolve filled us with hope. This conversation wasn’t just about Ira learning something new; it reminded all of us of the growing global threat of antibiotic resistance and how each of us can play a role in combating it.

When Ira finally returned home, she didn’t just recover physically but also emerged as an advocate for a healthier world. At school, she shared her story and helped her classmates understand why antibiotics should be used wisely. Who knew a painful experience with typhoid would turn into such a meaningful life lesson?