SUPERBUG

S
GLOBAL HEALTH THREAT
01 INTRODUCTION

02 EVOLUTION
SUPERBUG
03 DEGREE OF RISKS S
CONTENTS
04 SOLUTIONS

05 CONCLUSION
 SUPERBUGS
Introduction
Superbugs, also known as antibiotic-
resistant bacteria, represent a significant
global health threat. These bacteria have
evolved to resist multiple antibiotics, making
standard treatments less effective.
Superbugs not only complicate treatment
but also pose a risk of widespread antibiotic
resistance, a matter of global concern.
Prominent superbugs illustrating this
challenge include Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA),
vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE),
and carbapenem-resistant
Enterobacteriaceae (CRE).
 SUPERBUGS
EVOLUTION
1) Natural Variation: Bacteria have natural variations, some of
which include resistance to antibiotics.

2) Selective Pressure: Antibiotics kill susceptible bacteria, but

resistant ones survive.

3) Accumulation of Resistance: Over time, resistant bacteria

become more common due to natural selection.

4) Genetic Mutations: Random DNA mutations can lead to

resistance traits, passed on to offspring.

5) Horizontal Gene Transfer: Bacteria share resistance genes,

accelerating superbug development.
 SUPERBUGS
EVOLUTION
6) Overuse and Misuse: Excessive antibiotic use gives resistant
bacteria an advantage.

7) Multi-Drug Resistance: Superbugs often resist multiple

antibiotics.

8) Persistence and Spread: They survive in the environment and

spread to humans and animals.

9) Global Impact: Superbugs can travel globally, posing a major

health concern.

10) Antibiotic Development: Slow progress in developing new

antibiotics exacerbates the problem.
 SUPERBUGS
DEGREE OF RISKS

Reduced
Prolonged
Increased Treatment
Illness:
Mortality:
Options:
Infections caused
Superbugs can by
Assuperbugs
cause bacteria develop
often
infections that
require
resistance
longer
to
are challenging to
hospital
antibiotics,
staysthe
and
treat, leading to
available
more extended
treatment
higher
courses
options mortality
ofdiminish,
treatment,
rates,
resulting especially
making itinharder
increased
to
among
combatvulnerable
healthcare infections
costs and
populations.
patient
effectively.
suffering.
 SUPERBUGS
DEGREE OF RISKS

Agricultural
Spread Across
Economic Impact:
Implications:
Borders:
Antibioticsinfections
Superbug are also
Superbugs
used are not
placeinaagriculture,
significant
confined tothe
leadingburden
to one
economic on
region or country;
development of
healthcare systems, as
they canineasily
superbugs animals
they necessitate
that canspread
be transmitted
expensive
humanstreatments
tointernationally
through
foodand contribute This
consumption. to
through travel and
higher
poses healthcare
another
trade, making them a
costs.
dimension to the
global concern.
problem.
 SUPERBUGS
SOLUTIONS

Antibiotic Research and Vaccination: Infection

Stewardship: Development: Develop Prevention:
Encourage Invest in new vaccines to Improve
responsible antibiotics and prevent infection
antibiotic use to treatments to infections and control
minimize stay ahead of reduce the measures in
resistance superbugs. need for healthcare
development. settings.
antibiotics.
 SUPERBUGS
SOLUTIONS

International Public Awareness: Regulatory

Cooperation: Educate the Changes:
Implement policies
Collaborate public on proper to control antibiotic
globally to combat antibiotic use and use in agriculture
superbugs that the risks of and reduce
transcend borders. misuse. superbug
development in
animals.
 SUPERBUGS
CONCLUSION

In conclusion, superbugs represent a formidable global

health threat. These antibiotic-resistant bacteria have the
potential to cause widespread harm, leading to increased
mortality, prolonged illnesses, economic burdens, and
international concerns. Addressing this challenge
requires a multifaceted approach, including responsible
antibiotic use, research and development of new
treatments, vaccination, infection prevention,
international collaboration, public awareness, and
regulatory changes. The collective effort to combat
superbugs is not just a matter of public health but a
crucial component of safeguarding our future well-being
on a global scale.
THANK YOU
By: Catherine, Bhavagnya and Shivani