The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria poses an unprecedented threat to global health. When animals or humans become infected with resistant bacteria, infections are extremely difficult to treat and in some cases, can have life-threatening consequences. In order to combat antibacterial resistance, we need to have a thorough understanding of what types of resistance can develop, where resistance is found and how it is spreading in our communities and environment.
Your Questions at a glance:
Bacteria are everywhere. They are too small for the eye to see but populate almost every surface on our body. They are essential for life because we would not be able to digest food without them. In soil and marine environments, they degrade organic waste and recycle nutrients. Yet, some bacteria can infect humans to cause disease, and these pathogens are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotic treatment, threatening our ability to cure disease.
In the U.S. alone, there are an estimated 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections each year and about 35,000 reported deaths, although experts fear that the real number is much higher. The bacteria that cause these infections are known as superbugs and thrive in hospitals and medical facilities, putting all patients, whether they are getting care for a minor illness or major surgery, at risk.
The patients at greatest risk from superbugs are the ones who are already more vulnerable to illness from viral lung infections like influenza, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and COVID-19. Many of the deaths are actually not caused by the virus itself but by secondary bacterial pneumonia.
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