Study Warns of Antibiotic Misuse by Footballers in Eastern India

A recent study published in the Bengal Physician Journal has revealed that professional football players in Eastern India are misusing antibiotics on a large scale, sometimes even without a prescription. A trend that has dangerous health as well as public safety ramifications. ^[1]

The study has found that many players are using high-risk antibiotics, and some even fail to complete their prescribed courses. This abuse not only puts the individual players at risk but also contributes to the global AMR problem, which is on the rise.

Key findings of the study

The survey, comprising 650 footballers, found that:

• 110 players (about 17%) reported using antibiotics in the past six months.

• 74% of these antibiotics were from the World Health Organization (WHO) 'watch' group — drugs that have a high potential to drive AMR.

• 4% of athletes used 'reserve' antibiotics, which are only used in severe infections as a last resort.

• 38% of the antibiotics were used without a doctor's prescription.

• 71% of users did not complete their full course of treatment.

Experts have predicted dangerous consequences.

The study's first author, Shambu Samrat Samajdar, stressed the need for urgency.

The NCAA Student-Athlete Substance Use Study reported that 23% of college athletes used prescription medications, including antibiotics, without a prescription.

How Antibiotics Impact Athletic Performance:

Tendon Injuries: Certain antibiotics, such as fluoroquinolones, are associated with weakening tendons and a higher chance of tendon rupture, which can be especially concerning for athletes. ^[2]

Reduced Endurance and Motivation: Research, including a study on mice, indicates that antibiotics can adversely affect both endurance and motivation in athletes, likely due to alterations in the gut microbiome. ^[3]

Gut Microbiome Disruption: Antibiotics eliminate bacteria, including beneficial gut bacteria, which can impair the body’s ability to convert carbohydrates into substances that influence muscle performance and energy. ^[3]

Fatigue and Muscle Weakness: Some antibiotics may lead to fatigue and decreased muscle strength, which can greatly hinder athletic performance. ^[4]

Recovery Time: Following the conclusion of antibiotic treatment, athletes may face an extended duration of diminished performance and struggle to return to their pre-antibiotic condition. ^[5]

Urgent action is necessary

As antibiotic resistance becomes a growing concern, experts are advocating for improved regulations and enhanced education for athletes. They believe that football players may feel pressured to recover quickly, but the reckless use of antibiotics is not a viable solution. Instead, experts emphasize the importance of proper medical supervision and adherence to prescribed treatments to safeguard the health of both athletes and the public.

References:

1. Samajdar, Shambo S., Shatavisa Mukherjee, Santi R. Dasgupta, Parbati Panda, and Santanu Tripathi. "Antimicrobial Agent Utilization Pattern among Footballers in Eastern India: Classifying Using Access, Watch, and Reserve." BPJ 12, no. 1 (March 20, 2025). Accessed March 12, 2025. https://www.apibpj.com/abstractArticleContentBrowse/BPJ/63/12/1/38919/abstractArticle/Article.

2. Fayock, K., Voltz, M., Sandella, B., Close, J., Lunser, M., & Okon, J. (2014). Antibiotic precautions in athletes. Sports health, 6(4), 321–325. https://doi.org/10.1177/1941738113506553

3. McNamara, M.P., et al. "Oral Antibiotics Reduce Voluntary Exercise Behavior in Athletic Mice." Behavioural Processes, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beproc.2022.104650.

4. Puccini V. (2022). Antibiotic Therapy and Athletes: Is the Mitochondrial Dysfunction the Real Achilles' Heel?. Sports (Basel, Switzerland), 10(9), 131. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports10090131

5. AllCare Health. "Staying Healthy: Antibiotics and Athletes." AllCare Health. Accessed March 12, 2025. https://www.allcarehealth.com/articles-events/articles/staying-healthy-antibiotics-athletes.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Muhammad Faisal/MSM)