NDM-1 the Newest Global Health Scare

A bacterium that makes an enzyme called NDM-1 is freaking out global health researchers. Apparently this new superbug is capable of resisting one of the World's most powerful antibiotics - carbapenems. This NDM-1 enzyme producing bacteria can exist inside other infection causing bacteria like E.Coli, making them resistant to antibiotics, possibly all antibiotics. Infections by these NDM-1 infected bacteria could produce infections that are deadly and untreatable. To make matters worse, it is feared that NDM-1 may end up in strains of bacteria that are easily transmitted creating fast moving and deadly international pandemics. So far, isolated cases of NDM-1 infections have been identified in several hospital patients scattered across Great Britain (50 cases) but similar infections are popping up in isolated areas of the U.S., Canada, Holland, Australia. However, in some countries like India and Pakistan it appears to be spreading rapidly and many of the infections identified in Great Britain were in patients who recently had cosmetic surgery in either India or Pakistan. In several cases and of major concern is some of these NDM-1 bacterial infections have spread from hospital patient to hospital patient. While many of the NDM-1 superbug infections detected so far have been treatable with a combination of antibiotics, at least one in Great Britain has resisted all treatment, including treatment with carbapenems, an antibiotic which is normally reserved as a last resort treatment. NDM-1 infection is just the latest in a growing list of new global health superbug infections like H1N1 (Swine Flu) and SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome). The fear among health scientists is that the NDM-1 could potentially make many, if not all, types of disease causing bacteria resistant to all known antibiotics. Such and unbeatable bacteria would create a global health problem, particularly if the bacteria is one that is easily transmittable. Overuse of antibiotics coupled with the ability of bacteria to mutate and to become resistant to antibiotics will undoubtedly be a major source of concern for world health researchers for years to come. Meanwhile, the only thing you can do to protect yourself is use hand sanitizers, wash your hands frequently, and hold a hand over your face when you cough or sneeze and take vaccines when available. (Note: One bright spot is the development of vaccine patches which may soon replace sharp needle jabs. Traditional injections by a single needle may soon be replaced by patches with tiny micro needles that you can self apply. The patches will have hundreds of microscopic needles (0.65mm) that are loaded in a skin patch and dissolve into your skin. That's something to look forward to.)These new "Superbugs" like NDM-1 bacteria, E.coli, SARS, Ebola, H1N1,West Nile virus and other emerging health threats caused by mutating pathogens are a real threat to global health and are spreading largely as a result of increases in international trade and travel - we should expect more. The international health community is working non-stop to protect us from infections but without effective antibiotics that job will be tough.