Sri Lanka's alarming rise in broad-spectrum antibiotic use demands urgent action

A study published in BMC Pharmacology and Toxicology in 2026 has examined antibiotic consumption patterns in a tertiary care hospital in Northern Sri Lanka. The research tracked trends over five years, revealing a worrying rise in the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. It also highlighted seasonal spikes in usage tied to respiratory infection surges and hospital admissions. The study found a steady increase in the consumption of broad-spectrum antibiotics over the five-year period. Carbapenems, typically reserved as last-resort treatments, saw a particularly sharp rise. Seasonal variations were also noted, with higher antibiotic use during peaks in respiratory infections and hospitalisations.

The authors emphasised the economic toll of antibiotic resistance. Resistant infections led to longer hospital stays and greater reliance on higher-generation antibiotics. To address these issues, the study called for continuous surveillance systems to monitor both antibiotic use and resistance patterns, enabling early detection of emerging threats.

Recommendations included investing in laboratory infrastructure for rapid, accurate diagnostics to reduce reliance on empirical broad-spectrum treatments. The research also stressed the need for outreach programmes to educate patients and caregivers about the risks of inappropriate antibiotic use. Additionally, it advocated for the establishment of antimicrobial stewardship programmes in tertiary institutions across Sri Lanka and similar settings. The findings serve as a call to action for the global medical community. They urge comprehensive surveillance of antibiotic consumption, particularly in regions at high risk of rapid antimicrobial resistance. The study underlines the importance of proactive measures to curb misuse and mitigate the growing threat of resistance.