Stamping Out Superbugs

A Clear and Present Danger

Bacteria are found nearly everywhere. They’re in your food, recreational waters, and even the air. Some bacteria help keep you healthy. But some can make you very sick.

If you’re healthy, your body may fight off harmful bacteria on its own. But sometimes you need antibiotics. These are drugs that kill bacteria or stop them from growing. They can be critical for preventing or fighting a life-threatening disease. But over time, bacteria can become resistant to drugs that are misused or overused. That means that the drug will no longer stop them.

In the U.S., drug-resistant bacteria infect nearly 3 million people and kill more than 35,000 every year. These “superbugs” have evolved to protect themselves against drugs. This can happen through changes in their genes