KARACHI, Dec 19: Misuse of antibiotics and disregard of cleanliness guidelines, combined with non-application of antiseptic hand gel, are contributing to the emergence of more resistant strains of microbes causing varied diseases.

These views were expressed by health experts during the annual symposium on "Care of community - marching towards excellence" organized at the Dow University of Health Sciences on Sunday.

Dr Gary L. French, editor of the British Journal of St Bartholomew's Hospital, while presenting the Prof Abdul Waheed Memorial Lecture at the symposium mentioned infections occurring after admission to the hospitals a relevant issue even in developed countries.

This, he added, was costing immensely in terms of quality of life as well as in context of economics and prolonged stay of patients at hospital. Explicitly discussing prevalence and evolution of microbes that are the major cause of diseases inside and outside hospitals, it was reminded that such infections were registered even in developed countries like the United Kingdom.

Referring to the UK-based studies, he said infections that occurred after admissions to hospitals cost about one billion pound sterling annually. Dr French explained that micro-organisms that caused such infections were found in the noses of at least 30 per cent of the population. He emphasized that from the reservoir, transmission occurred mainly via "contaminated hands".

Hand-washing by hospital staff after seeing each patient was stressed as the most important means of stopping the spread. Correct use of antibiotics for treating such infections was also emphasized.

Infections had been reduced by up to 40 per cent through following strict guidelines of cleanliness and an alcohol-based antiseptic hand gel, he said. To avoid hospital-based infections, he strongly recommended for public education with regard to hygienic practice and environmental cleaning.

Prof Zulfiqar Bhutta of AKUH gave presentation on "Micro nutrient deficiency in Pakistani children" and described the condition a silent emergency. He attributed malnutrition as underlying factor contributory towards high rate of child death.

A session on career counselling was also well attended by students and professionals. Medical graduates of Pakistani origin now settled in the USA discussed the structure of training in the USA and the procedure involved in getting residency training there. A heated discussion was initiated by the suggestion that such sessions would encourage brain drain. -APP