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What are superbugs and how can I protect myself from infection?

“Superbugs” is a term used to describe strains of bacteria that are resistant to the majority of antibiotics commonly used today. Resistant bacteria that cause pneumonia, urinary tract infections and skin infections are just a few of the dangers we now face.

Antibiotic resistance is a naturally occurring phenomenon that can be slowed, but not stopped. Over time, bacteria adapt to the drugs that are designed to kill them, and change to ensure their survival. This makes previously standard treatments for bacterial infections less effective, and in some cases, ineffective.

Certain actions may accelerate the emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, such as:

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

To protect yourself from harmful bacteria, wash your hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating a proper diet, proper food handling, getting enough exercise and establishing good sleeping patterns, can also minimize the risk of illness.

You can also help tackle antibiotic resistance by:

• Using antibiotics as directed and only when needed
• Completing the full treatment course, even if you feel better
• Never sharing antibiotics with others
• Never using leftover prescriptions

Five common antibiotic-resistant superbugs to know about

In order to prevent the spread of superbug infections and diseases, it helps to know the common superbugs to watch out for and how to limit your exposure.

• Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE): CRE is a family of bacteria that is typically found in our stomachs, but some of these bacteria can cause life-threatening blood infections and are resistant to all antibiotics.
• 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.
• Neisseria gonorrhoeae: This strain of bacteria causes the STD gonorrhea, which has previously been easily treated with antibiotics. However, Neisseria gonorrhoeae is becoming more and more resistant to them.
• MRSA: MRSA or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a difficult-to-treat strain of staph infection. Although MRSA is antibiotic-resistant, there are still some antibiotics it responds to and the frequency of life-threatening MRSA has declined.
• Clostridium difficile (C.diff): C. diff is a bacteria found in your intestines that can overgrow and cause severe diarrhea. It can be passed among individuals through spores in bathrooms and on clothing and is not always able to be treated with antibiotics. If not treated, C. diff can be fatal.