Superbacteria: What they are, their characteristics, risks and how to prevent them

In the field of microbiology, the term superbacteria has gained worrying relevance in recent years. These bacteria, resistant to multiple antibiotics, have caused many medical treatments to become ineffective, representing a serious challenge to global public health. As these bacteria develop resistance, previously effective medical treatments may stop working, leading to unexpected complications, higher healthcare costs and increased mortality.

In this article, we will explain in detail what superbugs are, what their characteristics are, their importance for human health, and how it is possible to prevent their spread. In addition, we analyze specific cases of superbugs and the key strategies to protect ourselves from them.

What are superbugs?

The superbacteria are bacterial strains that have developed resistance to multiple antibiotics, making them difficult to treat with common drugs used in medicine. Since the appearance of the first antibiotics, bacteria have been evolving, finding genetic mechanisms of resistance to adapt and survive these drugs. Today, these resistant strains can even survive the most powerful antibiotics, creating a major challenge for healthcare professionals.

The evolution process of these bacteria is accelerated when antibiotics are used incorrectly or abusively, both in human and veterinary medicine. This causes a phenomenon known as antimicrobial resistanceWhen an antibiotic is used repeatedly or in incorrect doses, some bacteria develop mutations that allow them to survive, replicate and eventually pass on their resistance to other bacteria.

The global spread of superbugs makes it difficult to treat common infections and complicates critical medical procedures such as organ transplants, chemotherapy or major surgeries. effective antimicrobial drugs To treat infections, these procedures become extremely risky.

Where are they found and how do they spread?

Superbacteria They can be found in a variety of settings, including hospitals, homes, communities and the general environment. While they are most commonly associated with nosocomial infections (infections acquired in hospitals), they can be present anywhere.

• In hospitals, superbugs are often more prevalent due to the constant use of antibiotics and the presence of a large number of immunosuppressed people.
• In the community, the superbacteria They can be spread by direct contact with infected people, contaminated objects or food.

Additionally, some superbugs may not cause infection right away, as many are part of the normal bacterial flora of the human bodyThat is, they colonize our body without necessarily causing disease, which can make it more difficult to identify their presence until they cause major complications.

Some resistant bacteria, such as Staphylococcus epidermidis, which is common on the skin, can even meet protective functions, by preventing more aggressive pathogens from colonizing the skin or mucous membranes. However, in vulnerable populations such as hospitalized patients, these bacteria can cause serious infections.

Major superbugs

Over time, several superbugs have become famous for their ability to resist conventional antibiotics. Here are some examples:

• Staphylococcus aureus methicillin-resistant (MRSA): Causes serious infections of the skin, bones and lungs. MRSA is particularly dangerous in hospital settings.
• Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenem-resistant (KPC): It can cause severe pneumonia and urinary tract infections. This bacteria is resistant to carbapenems, the last-line antibiotics.
• Enterococcus faecium vancomycin-resistant (VRE): Responsible for complicated urinary tract infections. Resistance to vancomycin results in infections that are difficult to treat.
• Neisseria gonorrhoeae: Responsible for gonorrhea. Some strains are known as supergonorrhea due to its resistance to common antibiotics such as azithromycin.

How do superbugs develop?

Superbacteria have emerged mostly due to the inappropriate use of antibiotics, both in humans and animals. Factors such as stopping treatment early, using antibiotics for viral infections, or even use in livestock to promote the growth of healthy animals are precursors to the development of these bacteria.

When bacteria are repeatedly and unnecessarily exposed to these drugs, they develop defense mechanisms. These mechanisms can include enzymes that destroy antibiotics, changes in cell walls to prevent the drugs from entering, or actively expelling the molecules that are intended to be used to eliminate them.

In the hospital environment, poor infection control or inadequate hygiene are also factors that contribute to the emergence and transmission of superbugs. Healthcare workers must be specially trained to prevent the spread of these bacteria, as must patients and their families.

Importance of superbacteria for global health

While not all resistant bacteria are harmful, the term superbacteria It often causes alarm due to its strong link with serious and difficult-to-treat infections. However, at a microbiological level, some of these bacteria are part of the human microbiome and can play a role. beneficial functions in our body.

Eg intestinal microbiota, which contains a variety of resistant bacteria, helps in digestion and in the synthesis of vitamins, such as Vitamin K (key to blood clotting) and several B complex proteins, which are essential for energy metabolism. Thus, although superbugs are a threat in certain contexts, they also perform key functions in others.

How to prevent and protect yourself from superbugs

The key to tackling the rise of superbugs lies in both prevention and proper use of antibiotics. Here are some key points:

• Responsible use of antibiotics: Only use antibiotics when prescribed by a doctor, respect the doses and complete the entire prescribed treatment.
• Hygiene and infection control: Wash your hands frequently, especially before touching food or after going to the bathroom. In hospitals, it is crucial to control the indiscriminate use of antibiotics and ensure proper sterilization of medical equipment.
• Public health surveillance: Governments and organizations must promote policies for monitoring bacterial resistance at local and global levels.

Main treatments and future »

Currently, specialist doctors often use antibiotic combinations to treat infections caused by superbugs. Since these bacteria can resist a specific drug, combining several antibiotics increases the chances of eradicating the bacteria.

In some cases, they are being used bacteriophage viruses, which attack specific bacteria without damaging human tissue. Although bacteriophages are still in the experimental phase in most countries, they represent a promising alternative in the face of increasing bacterial resistance.

In addition, new antibiotics are being developed to prevent resistance. However, the most effective solution will continue to be to use these drugs appropriately and only when strictly necessary.

The problem of superbugs is global and requires collaboration between sectors such as health professionals, governments, and the agricultural sector. Correct implementation of preventive measures and controlled use of antibiotics will be key to preventing infections caused by superbugs from becoming a predominant cause of mortality in the future.