FEATURED ISSUE
Rise of superbugs
Are you confident that an antibiotic will kill off your bacterial infection? Perhaps you are aware that there is a rise in the number of superbugs––bacteria, fungi, parasites, and even viruses–that are resistant to most of the antibiotics commonly used today.These drug-resistant bacteria can cause conditions such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and skin infections. Instead of relying on treatments that may not be effective, consider an active prevention strategy. Strive to develop healthy lifestyle habits, including eating a healthy diet, getting enough exercise, and establishing good sleeping patterns, all of which have been shown to promote a strong immune system. Healthy hygiene habits, including washing your hands with soap and warm water when you have been in public places and especially in hospitals and other locations where sick people are being treated, can reduce or prevent your exposure to harmful bacteria. Take antibiotics only when they are really needed and always be mindful that you should complete the full treatment course as prescribed by your doctor.

ISSUE: How strong is the threat from superbugs?

AHHA strives to maintain a neutral position on issues and viewsknowledge as power. For those interested in this month’s issue, the articles below were selected for learning more about the current status of superbugs and developing tools for dealing with them.

What are superbugs and how can I protect myself from infection?
from James M Steckelberg, MD
Mayo Clinic
Antibiotic resistance is a naturally occurring phenomenon that can be slowed, but not stopped.

‘Superbugs’ found on many hospital patients’ hands and what they touch most often (4/14/19)
ScienceDaily
For decades, hospitals have worked to get staff to wash their hands and prevent the spread of germs. But a new study suggests they may want to expand those efforts to their patients, too.

What are superbugs? Doctor sounds alarm about spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (7/29/19)
by A. Pawlowski
Today
There are more superbugs, fewer treatment options and fewer doctors who know how to treat them, an expert warns.

Can scientists learn to bypass superbugs’ drug resistance? (6/17/19)
by Maria Colhut
MedicalNewsToday
When bacteria become resistant to antibiotic treatments, this poses an important threat to health, as infections become very difficult — and sometimes impossible — to treat.

New compound which kills antibiotic-resistant superbugs discovered (5/28/19)
ScienceDaily
The new compound seems to have several modes of action, making it more difficult for resistance to emerge in the bacteria. The next step of the research will be to test it against other multi-resistant bacteria.

New Study Helping Researchers Learn How Deadly Superbug Fungus Is Transmitted (6/28/19)
CBS News
People who get serious Candida auris infections are usually sick and hospitalized with other conditions. More than one in three patients with Candida auris die.

Plant foods may transmit antibiotic-resistant superbugs to humans (6/25/19)
by Lois Zoppi
News Medical – Life Sciences
Findings highlight the importance of tackling foodborne antibiotic-resistance from a complete food chain perspective that includes plant-foods in addition to meat.

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