Scientists have recently discovered a new, drug-resistant bacterial component. It is the New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase, or more commonly named NDM-1 or Superbug (NDM-1). This enzyme makes it possible for existing bacteria to resist the effects of most known antibiotics, making the strains more dangerous and deadly to humans and other living organisms. The spread of the superbug is the latest medical threat that scientists have been working against.
NDM-1 was first detected in India and Pakistan. Britain was the next country to report cases of NDM-1. Medical tourism has been stated as the main reason for the spread of the superbug from the place of origin. People who traveled back home after undergoing medical procedures in India became the primary carriers of the NDM-1 bacteria.
Essentially, the NDM-1 enzyme makes the strains of bacteria stronger and more potent. Exposure to antibiotics would regularly hamper bacterial activity. However, the NDM-1 enzyme breaks down the antibiotics, making them useless. Because the bacteria are now drug-resistant, the normal cures that are usually administered for the diseases they cause would be futile, and now, there is a palpable need for new and more powerful antibiotics that can overcome the effects of NDM-1.
The superbug is also easily communicable between bacteria. This means that bacteria can share the enzyme with one another without much difficulty. Since there aren’t many obstacles to the multiplication of bacteria carriers of NDM-1, containing the spread of the enzyme would be problematic once it begins to disperse.
Because the NDM-1 bacterial genes inhabit bacteria, they are passed on from person to person in the same way that bacteria are transmitted. Fluid transfer from, as well as direct contact with, carriers can result to a superbug infection. Processes like food preparation are also vulnerable to NDM-1 contamination and transfer. Much attention is directed to hospital settings because hospitals are common breeding places for bacteria.
As of now, there are no cures or drugs that can counter the drug-resistant superbug (NDM-1). The risk of a global epidemic without available cures has scientists worried, since for now, the best countermeasure for this possibility involves strict hygienic practices in both individuals and institutions. Keeping environments clean is also one preventive action people can take in order to stop the further distribution of the bacterial enzyme.