LV Prasad Eye Institute leads global fight against superbugs
HYDERABAD: The L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) expanded its efforts to combat sight-threatening infections and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by hosting an international conference and public awareness run.
The activities concluded with a senior LVPEI consultant taking on a prominent international role. Dr. Bhupesh Bagga, Consultant Ophthalmologist in Cornea & Anterior Segment at LVPEI, was elected President of the Ocular Microbiology and Immunology Group (OMIG), an international nonprofit dedicated to ocular infections and immunology.
Dr. Bagga led the recent ‘Bug Busters 5’ conference at LVPEI (Oct 31 – Nov 2), which attracted about 120 delegates and speakers from India and abroad, in-person and online. This flagship initiative promotes a multidisciplinary approach to addressing complex corneal infections.
“Corneal infections pose significant challenges to eye health, and finding effective solutions requires a multidisciplinary approach. Bug Busters was conceived by LVPEI to explore the latest advancements in corneal infection research and enable multidisciplinary collaboration among ophthalmologists, microbiologists, immunologists, and other professionals working in the domain. It brings together leading experts, researchers, and clinicians from around the world to exchange knowledge, present groundbreaking findings, and discuss cutting-edge strategies in the field of corneal infections,” read a statement released by LV Prasad Eye Institute.
Running the “Race Against Resistance”
Building on the conference themes, LVPEI hosted the ‘Race Against Resistance – AMR Awareness 4K Challenge’ at its Banjara Hills campus. The run, organized with the ‘Super Heroes against Superbugs’ initiative, led up to World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, November 18-24.
Approximately 200 participants, including clinicians, scientists, and members of the public, attended the event, solving AMR-themed puzzles to raise awareness of the urgent need for action.
The run gave medical experts a platform to highlight the growing threat of AMR. The World Health Organization (WHO) lists it among the top 10 global public health threats.
Dr. Shivaranjani Santosh, a Paediatrician at Magna Centres, whose fight against fake ORS in the market tasted sucess after Food safety and Standards Authority of India(FSSAI) order on strict adherence of rules, warned, “Many lives are being lost because medicines that once saved lives no longer work. Antibiotics should only be used for confirmed or strongly suspected bacterial infections.”
Echoing this sentiment Dr. Prashant Garg, Executive Chair of LVPEI, said, “Indiscriminate use of antibiotics is a serious community threat. Do not buy medicines over the counter or use antibiotics without a doctor’s prescription.”
Seconding the same, Dr. Ponnari Gottipati, Associate Director, Research at LVPEI and co-founder of Super Heroes against Superbugs, emphasized the broader implications. “Antimicrobial resistance is fast emerging as a grave concern for humanity. The very antibiotics that empower us to treat critical ailments are losing their power.”
Data underscores this urgency. India is among the countries with the highest AMR-related mortality. A 2019 study reported nearly 300,000 deaths linked to antibiotic resistance.
By combining scientific collaboration with public engagement, LVPEI demonstrates a comprehensive approach to safeguarding health. This starts with eye care and extends to the global community.
