SuperBugs vs. Antibiotics

Over-use of antibiotics has led to bacterial strains that are resistant to medical treatment. These strains are known as “superbugs”, and though they were once only a danger for people in a hospital, they are know a concern for the general public.

Four Types of Superbugs: VRSA, VRE,MRSA and NDM-1

There are four types of superbugs. According to the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), the first three are:

1. Staphylococcus aureus or VRSA

2. Vancomycin-resistant enterococcus or VRE

3. Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus or MRSA

The fourth superbug was discovered in 2010 and named NDM-1. NDM-1 exists inside other bacteria, such as E.coli and may also be able to invade bacteria that are already resistant to antibiotics, reports Michelle Roberts, a health reporter for BBC News.

VRE was first reported in 1988 and cases have increased each year. While it started in Europe, it has been reported in other counties across the world. In 1997, the superbug VRSA, was discovered in Japan. It has also been reported in the U.S., France and Hong Kong. MRSA is the most dangerous superbug and is reported by CUPE to be present in up to 40% of healthy people. Very few of those “carriers” will become ill though.

Often, these bacterium are found in hospitals and can infect patients through cracks on their skin. Patients who are more at risk are those on intravenous or who are using catheters. The elderly and very young are also more at risk to encounter a life-threatening situation if infected by a superbug, according to CUPE

Treating Superbugs with Antibiotics and Medication

The reason these strains of bacteria have earned the name “superbug” is due to their resistance to antibiotics. These superbugs do not respond to antibiotic medication, for the most part. The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), recommends physicians to use antibiotics with MRSA, only when there is a rapid progression of cellulitis, possibility of system illness and associated comorbidities. The IDSA further recommends using Vancomycin for hospitalized children who have complicated skin and soft tissue infections.

The best treatment for superbug infections is prevention. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to sterilized common areas that come in contact with the skin, such as doorknobs and counter tops. Keeping open sores clean and dry is also recommended; changing the dressing often.

About Antibiotic Resistance and the Severity of Superbugs

Antibiotics are formulated to kill off different strains of bacteria. In order for antibiotics to be effective, they must be taken as prescribed. If an antibiotic is taken for only three days, instead of 10, it may kill off some of the bacteria but not all of it. The result: The remaining bacteria become resistant to that antibiotic and are passed on to other individuals, infecting them with a now “resistant” strain of bacteria. This resistant strain of bacteria will be harder or even impossible to treat with conventional medicine and may even result in death.

If first-line antibiotics do not work against resistant strains of bacteria, less conventional medications may be prescribed. As the Mayo Clinic points out, these less conventional medications are often more costly and associated with serious side effects. Treatment times can be longer and may result in long-term or even permanent health conditions.

Not Using Antibiotics to Treat Superbugs and Illness

Understanding when to use antibiotics and when not too is important. Viral illnesses do not respond to antibiotic treatment. Different antibiotics are used for different strains of bacteria, so using the same antibiotic all the time will prove ineffective as well.

The Mayo Clinic offers these tips to combating superbugs:

• Understand what antibiotics to use and when to use them. Do not use antibiotics for every illness or infection that arises.
• Treat viral infections with non-antibiotic products to ease symptoms and discomfort. Acetaminophen, saline nasal spray, steam and tea with honey are some ways to treat viral conditions.
• Take antibiotics as prescribed. The full course is necessary to fully kill off the bacteria.
• Take antibiotics only with a prescription. Get a new prescription from a doctor for each illness, if required.
• Prevent spread of germs, use soap to clean hands and surfaces. Antibacterial products are not necessary, soap and warm water will kill the germs too.

Eat healthy and keep the immune system strong to combat illness. Wash hands often and keep surfaces clean. Stay home and get better to avoid passing on the illness to others. Antibiotics and medicine may help in some cases, but the best treatment is prevention.