AMR occurs naturally over time, as microbes can become insensitive or even resistant to drugs such as antibiotics, antivirals or antifungals. Microbes are living organisms that reproduce naturally and adapt to their environment.

In the case of an infection with resistant bacteria such as these staphylococci, the available drugs are no longer effective. Even simple operations or wounds can be life-threatening if infected with “superbugs”.

If insufficient doses of antibiotics are taken over a long period of time, the germs develop resistance in order to survive.

Multi-resistant pathogens or “superbugs” are super-strong bacteria that have developed resistance to all manmade antibiotic substances.

New resistances can be prevented by all of us, for instance by avoiding infections through good hygiene and not using antimicrobial substances incorrectly or excessively, such as taking antibiotics against viral infections.

Another option is to protect yourself against infections through vaccinations, especially, but not only, when traveling.