What are superbugs and why are they on the rise?

Antibiotics are a vital class of drugs that help save many lives. They treat a wide variety of infections, from mild urinary tract infections to life threatening sepsis. However, the recent rise in superbugs is partly to do with the overuse of antibiotics, which contributes to antibiotic resistance.

What can be done to help with slowing the rise of superbugs?

You can help slow the spread of drug-resistant bacteria by taking antibiotics properly and only when needed. Don’t insist on an antibiotic if your health care provider advises otherwise. For example, many parents expect doctors to prescribe antibiotics for a child’s ear infection.

What is the most common superbug?

Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter: Acinetobacter baumannii is the superbug strain of this bacteria and it can be found in soil and water and on the skin. It develops a resistance to antibiotics more quickly than other bacteria and is most common in hospitals.

How are viruses and parasites different from other microorganisms?

Bacteria and viruses can live outside of the human body (such as on a countertop) sometimes for many hours or days. But parasites need a living host to survive. Bacteria and parasites can often be killed with antibiotics.

Why should we be concerned about superbugs?

If superbugs are allowed to spread, we may reach a point where it is too dangerous to conduct surgeries such as c-sections and transplants because of the risk of superbug infection, which would have huge implications for the health of people around the world.

How are superbugs treated?

If you have a superbug infection, your treatment will depend on which bacteria or fungi are causing the infection. Your doctor may send a specimen from your body to the lab so that laboratory technicians can determine which antibiotic or antifungal medication is effective against the superbug that’s making you sick.

Why are some bacteria and microorganisms referred to as superbugs?

When the microorganisms become resistant to most antimicrobials they are often referred to as “superbugs”. This is a major concern because a resistant infection may kill, can spread to others, and imposes huge costs to individuals and society.

What is an example of a superbug?

Tosh, M.D. Superbugs are strains of bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi that are resistant to most of the antibiotics and other medications commonly used to treat the infections they cause. A few examples of superbugs include resistant bacteria that can cause pneumonia, urinary tract infections and skin infections.

How are bacteria and parasites similar?

Bacteria and viruses can live outside of the human body (for instance, on a countertop) sometimes for many hours or days. Parasites, however, require a living host in order to survive. Bacteria and parasites can usually be destroyed with antibiotics. On the other hand, antibiotics cannot kill viruses.

What are CRE superbugs and how dangerous are they?

In some cases, CRE are resistant to all available antibiotics. Often called “superbugs,” antibiotic-resistant bacteria can cause infections of the lungs (pneumonia), urinary tract and skin. CRE superbugs have the ability to spread and share their antibiotic-resistant qualities with healthy bacteria in your body.

What are superbugs and how do they affect you?

Superbugs are germs that have become resistant to the drugs that should destroy them. These drug resistant bacteria and fungi are difficult to control and treat. Often, superbugs are bacteria that have become resistant to antibiotics. They can also be fungi.

What are antibiotic-resistant superbugs?

Often called superbugs, antibiotic-resistant bacteria can cause infections including lung (pneumonia), urinary tract and skin infections. CRE superbugs can spread and share their antibiotic-resistant qualities with healthy bacteria in your body.

What should I know about CRE bacteria?

CRE bacteria: What you should know. Often called “superbugs,” antibiotic-resistant bacteria can cause infections of the lungs (pneumonia), urinary tract and skin. CRE superbugs have the ability to spread and share their antibiotic-resistant qualities with healthy bacteria in your body. These germs have the potential to cause infections…