A groundbreaking new study published in the Lancet warns that antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) pathogens could kill over 39 million people by 2050.
The research also predicts that a staggering 169 million deaths will be linked to drug-resistant infections by that year.
“These findings underscore the grave global health crisis posed by AMR, which has been escalating for decades,” Time Magazine reported Mohsen Naghavi, a professor at the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation and the study’s author, as saying.
Superbugs are microorganisms—bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites—that have evolved to resist medications, including antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitic drugs. These organisms develop resistance through genetic mutations, often accelerated by the overuse or misuse of these medications, explained Dr Tushar Tayal, Consultant, Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram.
As a result, common infections, such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and tuberculosis, become harder or even impossible to treat. According to the same study, superbugs could be responsible for the said deaths due to the failure of existing antibiotics and other medications.
How superbugs evolve
Superbugs emerge when microorganisms adapt to survive against drugs meant to kill them. This process is driven by genetic mutations, and often exacerbated by over prescription and misuse of antibiotics, both in healthcare settings and agriculture, said Dr Ajay Agarwal, Senior Director – Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Noida.
When antibiotics are taken unnecessarily or stopped prematurely, it allows the bacteria to survive and evolve, leading to strains that are no longer responsive to standard treatments. This phenomenon is known as antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
When antibiotics are taken unnecessarily or stopped prematurely, it allows the bacteria to survive and evolve, leading to strains that are no longer responsive to standard treatments. (file)
The impact of superbugs on health
Superbugs pose a significant public health threat because they can turn previously treatable infections into life-threatening diseases. When common infections, such as urinary tract infections or bloodstream infections, no longer respond to treatment, Dr Agarwal said, they can lead to prolonged illness, more hospital stays, and increased mortality rates.
Dr Tayal added that vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, young children, and those with chronic diseases, are at higher risk of severe outcomes from these infections. In healthcare settings, superbugs are responsible for a high percentage of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs)which are difficult to control and treat.
Consequences of superbugs
The rise of superbugs has terrifying consequences, particularly due to the limited treatment options available. When first-line antibiotics fail, doctors are often forced to use more toxic or less effective alternatives, which may have more side effects and take longer to work. Additionally, the development of new antimicrobial drugs has slowed significantly over the past few decades, leaving us with fewer weapons to combat resistant infections, Dr Tayal said.
Recently approved antibiotics, such as dalbavancin, meropenem-vaborbactam, and cefiderocol, show promise, Dr Agarwal explained, but only a handful are effective against multidrug-resistant pathogens. This scarcity of new treatments further complicates efforts to control superbug infections.
Reducing the risk of superbug infections
Despite the grave threat posed by superbugs, there are several ways individuals can reduce the risk of contracting or spreading these resistant infections, according to Dr Tayal and Dr Agarwal:
- Responsible Antibiotic Use: Only take antibiotics when prescribed by a healthcare professional, and complete the full course as directed. Avoid using antibiotics for viral infections, such as the common cold or flu, which do not respond to these drugs.
- Good Hygiene Practices: Regular handwashing, especially after visiting public places, and proper food hygiene can help reduce the spread of superbugs.
- Vaccinations: Staying up-to-date on vaccinations can prevent infections and reduce the need for antibiotics.
- Limiting Antibiotic Use in Agriculture: Choosing antibiotic-free or organic food products helps to reduce the unnecessary use of antibiotics in animals, which contributes to resistance.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
