Resistant Bacteria: Their Nature, Evolvement, and Countermeasures
In the realm of healthcare, a growing concern is the emergence of superbugs – bacteria and fungi that have developed resistance to multiple drugs, including antibiotics. These resistant germs pose significant challenges to treating infections and are responsible for a substantial number of cases each year.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in their 2019 report "Antibiotic Resistance Threats in the United States," the highest risk superbugs are categorized as urgent and serious threats. Among these, the urgent threats include Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter (CRAB), Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), and drug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
CRAB and CRE are particularly concerning due to their resistance to multiple antibiotics, making infections difficult to treat and leading to high morbidity and mortality. Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacterium responsible for gonorrhoea, has shown increasing resistance to available treatments, making it a significant public health concern.
Another group of bacteria known as ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species) also pose significant public health challenges due to their resistance mechanisms and ability to evade antimicrobial drugs.
One emerging threat is Candida auris, a multi-drug resistant fungus. It is increasingly recognized as a serious healthcare-associated infection risk, persisting in healthcare environments and resistant to routine disinfectants.
The natural evolution of germs, combined with regular exposure to antibiotics or antifungals, contributes to the development of superbugs. Antibiotic treatments can lead to the survival and multiplication of resistant germs, resulting in infections that are more difficult to treat.
Superbugs can cause infections without any special symptoms, making them potentially dangerous. In the United States, antibiotic-resistant infections lead to more than 2,800,000 infections and over 35,000 deaths each year, according to the CDC.
To combat the rise of superbugs, it's crucial to prevent infections by practicing safe hygiene, such as washing hands regularly and avoiding sharing personal items. On a personal level, people can reduce antibiotic use by only using antibiotics when necessary, using the shortest effective treatment, and not using antibiotics for viral infections.
Doctors may ask about a person's medical background and travel history if their infection is not responding to treatment. Tests may be run to determine whether the germ causing an infection is drug resistant. Hospitals are major sources of drug resistant infections, with a certain group of bacteria called the ESKAPE bacteria causing a significant number of infections in hospital settings.
The CDC periodically releases reports on antibiotic resistance threats, such as the Antibiotic Resistance Threats in the United States, 2019 report. These reports provide valuable insights into the current state of antibiotic resistance and help guide public health strategies to combat this growing issue.
In a promising development, a 2019 study found that an antioxidant from cranberries may help prevent antibiotic resistance, potentially making some antibiotics more effective. This discovery could pave the way for new strategies to combat superbugs and reduce their impact on public health.
In conclusion, understanding the highest risk superbugs and the threats they pose is crucial in the fight against antibiotic resistance. By implementing preventative measures, reducing antibiotic use, and staying informed about the latest research, we can work together to combat the rise of superbugs and ensure the effectiveness of our antibiotics for future generations.
[1] CDC. (2019). Antibiotic Resistance Threats in the United States, 2019. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/threat-report-2019/ [2] World Health Organization. (2019). Antimicrobial resistance: global report on surveillance, 2019. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240015060 [3] European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. (2019). European antimicrobial resistance surveillance network (EARS-Net) annual EARS-Net report 2018. Retrieved from https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/annual-ears-net-report-2018
- Despite advancements in medical-conditions like arthritis, the emergence of superbugs, such as drug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae, poses significant challenges to health-and-wellness, especially in treating sexually transmitted infections.
- In addition to bacteria like CRAB and CRE, fungi such as Candida auris, which is resistant to multiple antibiotics, are also considered high-risk superbugs, often causing persistent healthcare-associated infections.
- To combat the growing issue of superbugs, scientists are exploring novel therapies-and-treatments, including the potential use of antioxidants from cranberries to prevent antibiotic resistance and make antibiotics more effective against resistant germs.
