Dr Bhupesh Bagga, Consultant Ophthalmologist – Cornea & Anterior Segment at L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI), has been elected as the President of the Ocular Microbiology and Immunology Group (OMIG), an international non-profit organization of physicians and scientists dedicated to studying “bugs and drugs” in the eye.
Founded in 1990 and based in Pittsburgh, USA, OMIG aims to advance knowledge on ocular infections, immune responses, and treatment strategies. Its annual meetings are highly anticipated, bringing together global experts to discuss infectious agents, immunity, inflammation, and emerging research.
Bug Busters 5 Conference Highlights Collaborative Eye Research
Under Dr Bhupesh’s leadership, LVPEI successfully organized the Bug Busters 5 Conference from October 31 to November 2, 2025. The event brought together over 120 delegates from across India, featuring both national and international speakers. The three-day conference offered in-person and virtual sessions covering the latest research in ocular immunology, microbiology, and pharmacology.
Corneal infections continue to challenge ophthalmic care, demanding a multidisciplinary approach. LVPEI launched the Bug Busters series to foster collaboration among ophthalmologists, microbiologists, immunologists, and researchers. The conference served as a dynamic platform for exchanging ideas, presenting new findings, and discussing innovative strategies in diagnosing, treating, and preventing corneal infections.
Raising Awareness on Antimicrobial Resistance
As part of Bug Busters 5, LVPEI organized the “Race Against Resistance – AMR Awareness 4K Challenge” at the Kallam Anji Reddy Campus, Banjara Hills. The event, held as a precursor to World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (November 18–24), aimed to promote responsible antibiotic use and raise awareness about antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Around 200 clinicians, scientists, and members of the public participated, combining fitness with learning through puzzles related to AMR.
Experts Emphasize Responsible Antibiotic Use
Dr Shivaranjani Santosh, Paediatrician, Magna Centres for Obesity, Diabetes, and Endocrinology, Hyderabad, warned that the misuse of antibiotics leads to resistance, rendering once-effective medicines useless. She urged the public to avoid self-medication, complete prescribed courses, and refrain from buying antibiotics over the counter.
Echoing this sentiment, Dr Prashant Garg, Executive Chair, LVPEI, highlighted the dangers of indiscriminate antibiotic use. He stressed the importance of completing full courses and avoiding unnecessary prescriptions, emphasizing that responsible use extends to animal husbandry and poultry sectors as well.
Dr Ponnari Gottipati, Associate Director – Research at LVPEI and Co-Founder of Superheroes Against Superbugs, described AMR as a growing global crisis. She explained that the overuse and misuse of antibiotics threaten their effectiveness in critical treatments like cancer therapy and organ transplants. She called for collective responsibility to preserve antibiotic efficacy for future generations.
The Growing Threat of AMR
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is one of the fastest-growing health threats worldwide, yet public awareness remains alarmingly low. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies AMR as one of the top 10 global public health challenges. WHO’s recent report predicts a 70% increase in AMR-related deaths by 2050 and warns that over 40% of antibiotics have lost potency against common infections between 2018 and 2023.
India ranks among the top nations for AMR-related mortality. In 2019, the country reported around 297,000 deaths directly due to AMR and over 1 million where AMR was a contributing factor. Alarmingly, two-thirds of these cases were from the productive age group of 15 to 64 years, underscoring the urgent need for awareness and responsible antibiotic use.