A review of the superbug crisis

Abstract

A global public health concern with a substantial economic impact is antimicrobial resistance, which is the capacity of microorganisms to alter and adapt their behavior, rendering medications typically employed against them useless. The rise of drug-resistant infections, driven by the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in healthcare, agriculture, and other sectors, has led to the emergence of dangerous superbugs, such as MRSA and MDR-TB. These resistant bacteria evade traditional treatments through various mechanisms, including horizontal gene transfer, biofilm formation, and the production of resistance enzymes. Antimicrobial Resistance spreads primarily through human-to-human interaction and environmental sources, including contaminated water and food. Addressing this crisis requires a multifaceted approach, including antimicrobial stewardship, better hygiene practices, more effective infection control, and the development of new treatments. Artificial intelligence is emerging as a promising tool to identify resistance patterns and optimize treatment regimens, offering hope in the fight against AMR. Efforts to combat AMR must be collaborative, involving governments, healthcare providers, researchers, and communities to ensure sustainable solutions to this global health challenge.