Although understanding of pathogens has advanced considerably in the last few decades, infectious microorganisms are still one of the greatest threats to our health. Pathogens have evolved to resist our best efforts to destroy them, resulting in ‘superbugs’ with antibiotic resistance that present significant healthcare challenges.
Unfortunately, antibiotic resistance is a natural phenomenon that can’t be stopped. This process can, however, be slowed, so what can healthcare professionals do to help ensure that this is the case?
Superbug
The term “superbug” is applied to strains of fungi, bacteria, viruses and parasites that have become resistant to commonly used antibiotics and other medications that would normally treat any infections they cause.
In the UK, there are a number of superbugs. You’re probably aware of some of the more common of these, including methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Clostridium difficile, and the strains of bacteria responsible for causing multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis.
However, new superbugs are being discovered all the time, presenting novel challenges for healthcare professionals. For example, in 2010, news reports detailed how superbug NDM-1 was found in UK hospitals. At the time, there were considerable fears that this would result in a global pandemic – though thankfully, this never came to pass.
Earlier this year, scientists also discovered a potentially-lethal superbug in pork products being sold in UK supermarkets. This new pathogen was tested and found to be resistant even against ‘last resort’ antibiotic treatments, meaning that, so far, there is no reliable solution to treating this new strain. Superbugs are incredibly dangerous, Although understanding of pathogens has advanced considerably in the last few decades, infectious microorganisms are still one of the greatest threats to our health. Pathogens have evolved to resist our best efforts to destroy them, resulting in ‘superbugs’ with antibiotic resistance that present significant healthcare challenges.
Unfortunately, antibiotic resistance is a natural phenomenon that can’t be stopped. This process can, however, be slowed, so what can healthcare professionals do to help ensure that this is the case?
Influencing antibiotic resistance
Many pathogens are imbued with the ability to evolve and mutate so that they can survive measures created to destroy them. A good example of this is the influenza virus – through a process called antigenic drift, flu viruses develop immunity against the vaccine developed each year to kill them, evolving into a stronger virus that requires a new vaccine the following year.
Similarly, superbugs are pathogens that have adapted to survive treatment from antibiotics. The emergence of superbugs is accelerated by the misuse and overuse of antibiotics, both among humans and in agricultural industries.
To contextualise this, it’s likely that the superbug found in pork samples emerged due to the extensive use of antibiotics in farming processes. Lack of clean water and poor infection control procedures can also influence antibiotic-resistance, especially as this means that these pathogens can spread more freely, and therefore have a greater chance of mutating and forming immunities.
Taking measures to prevent the spread
The main fear surrounding superbugs is that, eventually, one will emerge that is lethal and completely untreatable. If this were to happen, it would likely cause widespread death and untold damage to economies across the globe.
On a positive note, however, the battle against superbugs is, currently not insurmountable. In fact, it was only in June 2022 that the NHS announced that it would be rolling out two “superbug-busting” drugs that could help those with life-threatening infections caused by superbug infections.
In the wider conversation surrounding superbugs, there are talks across the globe about adopting certain protocols in hospital settings to help prevent them spreading and limiting antibiotics. Plus, there are other ideas, such as utilising bacteriophages (bacteria-killing viruses) to destroy superbugs, and the potential to use nanotechnology to create ‘smart antibiotics’ that could target superbugs far more effectively.
While none of these ideas have come to fruition yet, it’s still encouraging to know that there is significant research and attention being dedicated to the problem.
Until then, healthcare professionals can help to curb the emergence of superbugs by practising an exceptional standard of infection control within their settings. The Signature Hand and Surface Sanitiser from Initial Medical is a trusted choice. Able to kill 99.99 per cent of pathogens on surfaces and hands, this versatile spray can be utilised throughout your practice.
An issue of our times
The recent pandemic has proven that we should never underestimate the power of microorganisms. Superbugs pose an even greater threat, and as we cannot guarantee that there will always be a solution available to fight these microorganisms, slowing the development of antibiotic resistance is our safest way forward. By understanding superbugs and taking steps to ensure that infection control standards are exemplary in healthcare settings, we can all work together to help ensure that antibiotic resistance is less of a threat to us all.
References available on request.