Super Bugs

In the news today, you hear a great deal about antibiotic-resistant bacteria, or super bugs. Over the years, certain bacteria have developed a resistance to antibiotics. This resistance makes some infections difficult to treat.

Some bacteria are resistant to most antibiotics. This resistance can develop when antibiotics are used improperly, such as when

patients do not take all of their prescribed antibiotics (the bacteria may not be completely killed, which will cause further illness or even drug resistance);

antibiotics are prescribed when not needed or indicated (antibiotics will not be effective against the flu, which is caused by a virus);

antibacterial substances are contained in cleaning products;

antibiotics are found in animals consumed as food; or

genetic mutation of bacteria has occurred.

Some bacteria that have become resistant to antibiotics include Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Streptococcus, Klebsiella, Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, Clostridium difficile, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, and Enterobacter. One of the most highly publicized bacterium in this category is Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). MRSA is responsible for a difficult-to-treat infection. MRSA is prevalent in hospitals, prisons, schools, and nursing homes, where residents with open wounds and weakened immune systems are confined in close quarters. These patients are at greater risk of infection than the general public.

Careful monitoring of antibiotic use is necessary to prevent the development of antibiotic resistance and to reduce the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

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Have there been incidences of antibiotic-resistant bacteria at one of your local healthcare facilities?

After completing this chapter, identify the infection control procedures that you believe should be followed when antibiotic-resistant bacteria are involved.