If someone told you that by the year 2050, the number of deaths caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria would surpass cancer deaths, would you believe them? Hard to believe as it may be, that statistic is exactly what experts are citing when referring to the progressive rise of deadly superbugs that become immune to the effects of antibiotics. Greater drug resistance is becoming a problem that will continue to evolve if novel therapies do not come into play to help mitigate this global issue.
Superbugs
Since the 1940s, antibiotics have had mainstream use in helping to reduce illness and death from common infections. They were hailed as miracles and came to be used widely and frequently. However, the microorganisms that the drugs targeted were able to evolve, making the antibiotics less effective over time in the treatment of disease. Moreover, overuse of antibiotics drives resistance. An estimated 700,000 deaths occur across the globe on an annual basis due to drug-resistant bacteria, and, if left unchecked, this problem could cause serious problems not only in the medical realm but also in the economic sphere. Experts say that superbugs could cost the global economy up to $100 trillion between now and 2050.