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Why are drug-resistant bacteria increasing worldwide?
Drug-resistant bacteria are rising globally mainly due to the misuse and overuse of antibiotics. Hospitals often fail to maintain proper hygiene, which helps spread resistant strains. Additionally, bacteria like those carrying the NDM gene have evolved to withstand last-resort antibiotics, making infections harder to treat.
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What new treatments are being developed for resistant infections?
Scientists are exploring innovative therapies such as phage therapy, which uses viruses to target bacteria. For example, Australian researchers have developed Entelli-02, a phage treatment targeting Enterobacter infections, offering hope for resistant cases where antibiotics fail.
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How does bacterial resistance affect newborn sepsis and other infections?
In regions like Asia, resistant bacteria cause nearly 80% of newborn sepsis cases, making infections more deadly and difficult to treat. Resistance complicates standard treatments, increasing the risk of severe outcomes for vulnerable populations like infants.
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What can be done to prevent the spread of resistant bacteria?
Preventing resistance involves improving hospital hygiene, reducing unnecessary antibiotic use, and updating treatment guidelines. Public health campaigns and better water sanitation also play crucial roles in limiting the spread of resistant bacteria.
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Are resistant bacteria linked to other health threats?
Yes, resistant bacteria are part of a broader infectious disease challenge, including outbreaks of mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile virus and chikungunya. Climate change and global travel are spreading these diseases, adding to the complexity of infectious threats.
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What is the impact of resistant bacteria on healthcare systems?
Resistant infections increase hospital stays, require more expensive treatments, and strain healthcare resources. They also lead to higher mortality rates, especially when effective antibiotics are no longer available, making infection control a top priority.