Evolution of Superbugs: a lethal bioterror

Abstract

Over the past few decades, the increasing rate of antibiotic resistance (ABR) has led to the emergence of superbugs, a group of deadly pathogens with antibiotic resistance in their supreme level. About two million people die worldwide each year by the difficult-to-treat to incurable infections caused by them. Thus, superbugs are considered to be a global threat and named as lethal bioterror. In this study, the mechanism of antibiotic resistance, followed by the evolution of superbugs has been reviewed. The measures concerning the combating of antibiotic resistance, e.g., combination therapy, drug repurposing, novel antibiotic research etc., have been briefly discussed. Unless preventive measures are not established right from now on, antibiotics will lose their ability to cure infections, resulting in an epidemiological disaster.