Superbug bacteria becoming serious threat in India and world: Cambridge professor

Mysuru: In a free-wheeling interview, professor of microbial physiology and metabolism at the University of Cambridge, Martin Welch, spoke candidly about superbug bacteria, antibiotic misuse in India, genetically modified food, and state university collaborations. He emphasised regulation, investment, and public trust in evidence-based progress.Prof Martin Welch, a visiting professor in the department of microbiology, University of Mysore, was in the city on project work, which he took up with Prof Ravishankar Rai of the varsity.Are superbug bacteria becoming a serious threat in India and globally?Yes, and the threat is immediate. One of the biggest problems is unregulated access to antibiotics. In India, it is possible to walk into a pharmacy and purchase almost any antibiotic without a prescription. Antibiotics are not one-size-fits-all medicines. They must be matched precisely to the infection and to the bacterial species causing it. When people self-medicate with the wrong antibiotic, they waste money and, more importantly, create selective pressure. The bacteria exposed to that drug may survive and develop resistance. Once resistance emerges, it does not simply disappear. It spreads. There are roughly 160 antibiotics available to clinicians worldwide. Yet we are increasingly encountering superbugs that are resistant to nearly all of them. A striking example is Pseudomonas aeruginosa, recognised by the World Health Organisation as a priority pathogen. It thrives in human environments and rapidly acquires resistance. India and parts of Southeast Asia are considered hotspots for antimicrobial resistance largely due to unregulated antibiotic access and environmental contamination. The solution is straightforward but requires strong will: restrict antibiotic sales to prescription-only use under qualified medical supervision.Are antibiotics entering the food chain?Yes, through multiple routes. Antibiotics are sometimes directly added in agricultural contexts. More concerning, however, is pharmaceutical manufacturing waste. If rivers carry these residues downstream to irrigate crops and feed livestock, it is unsurprising that antibiotic traces enter the food chain. Environmental contamination fuels resistance evolution. Regulation of industrial waste disposal is therefore essential.Is environmental pollution linked to antimicrobial resistance?Yes. Plastic waste and contaminated waterways create environments where microbes evolve new metabolic pathways. Some of these pathways overlap with mechanisms used to degrade antibiotics, contributing to resistance. Reducing waste, cleaning rivers, and instilling civic pride in public spaces can have measurable long-term health benefits.How does your research connect to cystic fibrosis and resistant infections?My work focuses on respiratory infections, particularly in patients with cystic fibrosis. This is a genetic disease that predisposes individuals to chronic airway infections. In India, cystic fibrosis was long considered rare. However, it is now clear that it was underdiagnosed. The reason is genetic variation and poor recognition/diagnosis of the condition among newborns. The most common mutation causing cystic fibrosis in Caucasian populations differs from the most common mutation in Indian populations. If you look for the wrong mutation, you will not find the disease.Is genetically modified (GM) food inherently dangerous?No, there is nothing inherently wrong with genetic modification. Humans modified crops for 8,000 years through selective breeding. Genetic engineering simply accelerates that process with greater precision.The fear surrounding GM food is largely psychological. Terms like "Frankenstein food" create anxiety. If properly tested and regulated, GM crops can increase yields, improve drought tolerance, and reduce crop losses. For a growing population like India's, food security is critical. Organic food, on the other hand, is often perceived as healthier. It may taste richer because slower growth can enhance flavour. However, it is more expensive, and organic fertilisers are not necessarily cleaner. Regardless of the source, vegetables should always be washed thoroughly.What about Indian food hygiene standards compared to Europe or the United States?In Europe and the United States, food establishments are regularly inspected. Cleanliness standards are monitored and enforced. That is the key difference—inspection and enforcement.In India, improvements are visible. Cities such as Mysuru developed significantly in recent years. However, inconsistencies remain. Some street vendors operate without adequate hygiene standards.What are the possibilities for tie-ups with Indian state universities?Collaboration is both possible and necessary. India has an extraordinary pool of human talent and biological resources. However, sustained govt investment in state universities is critical. Collaboration must respect intellectual property protections. State universities in India are essential. Not every student can attend premier institutions like the Indian Institute of Science. Regional universities feed into national and global research ecosystems. Economic growth depends on educational investment. If a nation wants to produce skilled graduates who contribute to innovation, funding universities is not optional—it is fundamental.