Is Superbug Next?

IS SUPERBUG NEXT ?

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.

Drug resistance (antimicrobial resistance) is a naturally occurring phenomenon that can be slowed, but not stopped. Over time, germs such as bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi adapt to the drugs that are designed to kill them and change to ensure their survival. This makes previously standard treatments for some infections less effective, and sometimes ineffective. Researchers continue to evaluate how these germs develop resistance. They also study how to diagnose, treat and prevent antimicrobial resistance.

Certain actions may step up the appearance and spread of antimicrobial-resistant germs, such as:

Using or misusing antibiotics
Having poor infection prevention and control practices
Living or working in unclean conditions
Mishandling food

With rising of SARS COVID -19 Strains as it majorly attacks the Respiratory tract causing the Severe Pneumonia, there is a frequent and tremendous uses of ANTIMICROBIALS (ANTIBIOTICS, ANTIVIRAL) & STEROIDS such as:

Piperacillin and Tazobactam
Ceftriaxone and/or Sulbactam /cefoperazone
Methylprednisolone
Hydrocortisone
Azithromycin
Remdesivir
Tocilizumab
Dexamethasone
Clindamycin
Meropenam
Teicoplanin
Vancomycin etc.

To overcome from the severe pneumonia caused by covid these antibiotics and steroids are tremendously used.

These may be in future invite the condition like SUPERBUG , in that condition the resistant bacteria and/or virus may not work to their specific drugs.

Some of the example of Superbug is –

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE)
Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter

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.

There is no way to stop antibiotic resistance entirely, as it is part of the natural evolution of germs. Yet, it is essential for both doctors and patients to take steps to avoid antibiotic resistance.

The situation may be more worst than today.

Preventing Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotic resistance is a natural process. As such, there is no way to stop it completely. However, it is possible to slow down the development of resistance.

On a personal level, people can take steps to reduce widespread antibiotic use. These include:

Only using antibiotics when necessary: Most doctors only prescribe antibiotics if the person cannot do without them.
Using the shortest effective treatment: While it is vital to take all the antibiotics that a doctor prescribes, exactly as instructed, the doctor will prescribe the shortest possible course.
Not using antibiotics for viral infections: Antibiotics have no effect on illnesses caused by viruses, such as the flu, and using antibiotics incorrectly in this way can contribute to drug resistance.

To protect yourself from harmful germs and lower the risk of illnesses:

Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Handle food properly, such as separating raw and cooked food, cooking food thoroughly, and using clean water
Avoid close contact with people who are ill
Make sure your vaccinations are up to date

Mehfuj Ahamad
Hospital Pharmacist
Universal College of Medical Sciences
Bhairahawa, Lumbini Nepal

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