4 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

5 min

Science & TechnologySocial IssuesEnvironment & EcologyNEWS

Affordable dipstick test developed to track antimicrobial resistance in sewage

Indian scientists develop affordable dipstick test for tracking AMR in sewage.

Photo by National Cancer Institute

Scientists from the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Faridabad, have developed an affordable dipstick test to detect antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in sewage. The test, detailed in *Nature Communications*, analyzed sewage samples from 381 sites across six states, confirming urban sewage as an AMR hotspot. The dipstick assay offers a cost-effective alternative to methods like shotgun sequencing, costing only between ₹400-550 per test, and can identify 16 different resistance genes within two hours. The test involves collecting and processing sewage samples to isolate genetic material, amplifying the genes, and using a dipstick with a detection reagent. The presence of AMR genes is indicated by a visible color band on the dipstick. While shotgun sequencing provides a comprehensive picture, the dipstick assay offers a rapid, large-scale surveillance tool for potential intervention by researchers and healthcare workers. Experts urge careful interpretation of results, noting that the presence of a gene doesn't necessarily indicate illness. The dipstick assay is positioned as an early warning tool for AMR risk, helping identify areas with inadequate wastewater treatment or high antibiotic use, enabling targeted public health interventions. The test can also assess the effectiveness of pharmaceutical effluent treatment plants in reducing resistance spread, crucial for monitoring public health threats in India, a global AMR hotspot.

Key Facts

Developed by: THSTI, Faridabad

Test type: Dipstick assay

Target: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in sewage

Cost: ₹400-550 per test

Genes detected: 16 resistance genes

Time to result: Within two hours

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper III: Science and Technology - Developments and their applications and effects in everyday life

GS Paper II: Health - Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health

Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical questions on the impact of AMR and strategies to combat it

Visual Insights

Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Sites in India

Map showing the six states where sewage samples were collected for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) testing using the newly developed dipstick test.

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📍Haryana📍Punjab📍Rajasthan📍Gujarat📍Tamil Nadu📍Kerala

More Information

Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is not a new phenomenon; it has existed since the discovery of antibiotics. However, its acceleration in recent decades poses a significant threat to global health. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics in human and animal healthcare, agriculture, and aquaculture have contributed to the rise of AMR. This has led to the evolution of 'superbugs' that are resistant to multiple drugs, making infections harder to treat. The evolution of AMR is closely linked to the principles of natural selection. Bacteria with genes that confer resistance to antibiotics have a survival advantage in environments where these drugs are present. These resistant bacteria then multiply and spread, leading to an increase in the prevalence of AMR. Horizontal gene transfer, where bacteria share genetic material, further accelerates the spread of resistance genes. Addressing AMR requires a multi-pronged approach, including responsible antibiotic use, improved sanitation and hygiene, and the development of new diagnostics and treatments. The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a global action plan to combat AMR, emphasizing the need for surveillance, prevention, and innovation. National action plans, such as India's National Action Plan on AMR, are also crucial for addressing the specific challenges faced by individual countries.

Latest Developments

Recent years have seen increased efforts to combat AMR through various initiatives. The Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS), coordinated by the WHO, aims to standardize AMR surveillance globally. Many countries are implementing national action plans on AMR, focusing on improving antibiotic stewardship and infection prevention and control. Technological advancements are playing a crucial role in the fight against AMR. Rapid diagnostic tests, like the dipstick test mentioned in the news, are enabling faster detection of AMR genes, allowing for more targeted interventions. Research into new antibiotics and alternative therapies, such as phage therapy, is also gaining momentum. The development of new vaccines against bacterial infections could also help reduce the need for antibiotics. Looking ahead, the fight against AMR will require sustained efforts and collaboration across sectors. Public awareness campaigns are essential to promote responsible antibiotic use and prevent the spread of resistant bacteria. Strengthening healthcare systems and improving access to sanitation and hygiene are also critical for reducing the burden of infectious diseases and the need for antibiotics. International cooperation is needed to address AMR as a global health threat.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the main purpose of the dipstick test developed by THSTI, Faridabad, and why is it important?

The dipstick test is designed to detect antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in sewage. This is important because it helps in monitoring and understanding the spread of AMR, which is a significant threat to global health due to the rise of 'superbugs'.

2. For UPSC Prelims, what are the key facts about the dipstick test for AMR in sewage?

Key facts include: it was developed by THSTI, Faridabad; it's a dipstick assay; it targets antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in sewage; it costs ₹400-550 per test; and it can detect 16 resistance genes.

3. How does the dipstick test compare to shotgun sequencing in terms of cost and application?

The dipstick test is a cost-effective alternative to shotgun sequencing, costing only between ₹400-550 per test compared to ₹9,000 for shotgun sequencing. The dipstick test is useful for rapid screening, while shotgun sequencing provides more comprehensive data.

4. What are the implications of this dipstick test for common citizens?

The dipstick test can lead to better monitoring of AMR in sewage, which can inform public health interventions and policies to reduce the spread of resistant bacteria. This can help protect common citizens from infections that are difficult to treat.

5. Why is the development of an affordable AMR detection test significant in the context of global health?

An affordable AMR detection test is significant because it allows for wider and more frequent monitoring of AMR, especially in resource-limited settings. This can lead to earlier detection and intervention, helping to curb the spread of antimicrobial resistance globally.

6. What recent developments are related to the dipstick test for tracking AMR in sewage?

The recent development is the publication of the details of the dipstick test in *Nature Communications* on December 29, 2025, showcasing its effectiveness in analyzing sewage samples from 381 sites across six states in India.

7. How can the information about the Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS) help in understanding the context of this news?

The Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS), coordinated by the WHO, aims to standardize AMR surveillance globally. The dipstick test aligns with the goals of GLASS by providing a cost-effective tool for monitoring AMR in sewage, contributing to global surveillance efforts.

8. What is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and why is it a growing concern?

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites) change over time and no longer respond to medicines, making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics accelerate this process.

9. Who are the key personalities associated with the development of this dipstick test?

According to the topic, the key personalities associated with the development of this dipstick test are Deepjyoti Paul, Bhabatosh Das, and David Graham.

10. What are the potential reforms needed to address the issue of AMR, considering the development of this dipstick test?

Reforms could include increased investment in AMR surveillance using tools like the dipstick test, stricter regulations on antibiotic use in agriculture and healthcare, and public awareness campaigns to promote responsible antibiotic use. As per the topic, many countries are implementing national action plans on AMR, focusing on improving antibiotic stewardship and infection prevention and control.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): 1. AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines. 2. Overuse of antimicrobials is the sole factor contributing to the development of AMR. 3. AMR poses a threat to effective prevention and treatment of an ever-increasing range of infections. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.1 and 3 only
C.2 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is CORRECT: AMR indeed occurs when microorganisms change over time and become resistant to medicines. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: While overuse is a major factor, other factors like misuse, poor infection control, and inadequate sanitation also contribute to AMR. Statement 3 is CORRECT: AMR threatens the effective prevention and treatment of a wide range of infections, making them harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death.

2. The dipstick test developed by THSTI, Faridabad, for detecting antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in sewage: 1. Can identify 16 different resistance genes. 2. Costs between ₹400-550 per test. 3. Requires shotgun sequencing for confirmation of results. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The dipstick test can identify 16 different resistance genes. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The test costs between ₹400-550 per test, making it a cost-effective alternative. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: The dipstick assay is an alternative to shotgun sequencing, not requiring it for confirmation.

3. Which of the following statements best describes the role of sewage surveillance in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR)?

A.It provides real-time data on antibiotic sales in pharmacies.
B.It helps identify areas with high antibiotic use and inadequate wastewater treatment.
C.It directly measures the number of patients infected with resistant bacteria in hospitals.
D.It is primarily used to monitor the effectiveness of new antibiotic drugs.

Show Answer

Answer: B

Sewage surveillance acts as an early warning system for AMR risk by identifying areas with high antibiotic use or inadequate wastewater treatment. This allows for targeted public health interventions to reduce the spread of resistance.