Antibiotics and Superbugs examines the growing crisis of antimicrobial resistance and the evolutionary strategies bacteria use to survive antibiotic treatments. It highlights the urgent need for innovative solutions to combat this threat, which impacts global health and healthcare costs.
The book traces the history of antibiotics, from penicillin to the present, explaining how overuse has driven the evolution of superbugs. A key insight is that bacteria can transfer resistance genes horizontally, rapidly spreading drug resistance among populations.
The book presents the multifaceted mechanisms of resistance, such as enzymatic degradation and efflux pumps, emphasizing that understanding these processes is crucial for developing effective countermeasures. It is structured into three sections, starting with the basics of antibiotic action and bacterial genetics, then detailing resistance mechanisms, and finally exploring the implications for healthcare and novel therapies.
The approach integrates microbiology, public health, and policy, advocating for a multidisciplinary effort. This book uniquely combines a detailed analysis of the molecular mechanisms of resistance with a broad view of the social and economic factors involved. It offers a balanced, evidence-based overview suitable for a wide audience, including students, healthcare professionals, and policymakers, providing them with a comprehensive understanding of the superbug crisis and potential solutions.
