Why Overuse of Antibiotics Is Dangerous: The Rise of Superbugs | by PS | October 2025
introduction
Antibiotics were once considered miracle drugs, powerful drugs that saved millions of lives from deadly bacterial infections. However, what was once a symbol of medical progress is now a global concern. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics is giving rise to something far more dangerous: superbugs — bacteria that can resist even the strongest antibiotics.
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What are antibiotics and how do they work?
Antibiotics are medicines that kill or prevent the growth of bacteria. They work by targeting specific bacterial mechanisms such as cell wall formation, protein synthesis, or DNA replication – processes essential for bacterial survival.
However, antibiotics are useless against viral infections such as the common cold, flu or COVID-19. When people take antibiotics to treat viral illnesses, they don’t get better faster, they help the bacteria become stronger and more resistant.
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How does antibiotic resistance develop?
Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria adapt and survive despite the presence of drugs designed to kill them. This is mainly caused by:
Overuse of antibiotics – taking them unnecessarily to treat viral infections.
Incomplete courses — stop treatment early as soon as symptoms improve.
Self-medication – using leftover or unprescribed antibiotics.
Overprescription – when doctors prescribe antibiotics too frequently.
Agricultural misuse – the use of antibiotics in animals to achieve faster growth.
Each misuse gives bacteria a new opportunity to evolve, learn and resist, creating strains that no drug can kill.
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What are superbugs?
Superbugs are bacteria that have developed resistance to many antibiotics. They survive even the strongest treatments, making the infection very difficult to treat. Some of the most well-known superbugs include:
MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)
MDR-TB (multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis)
CRE (carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae)
According to the World Health Organization, if current trends continue, antimicrobial resistance could cause 10 million deaths annually by 2050 – a number greater than cancer.
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Why is it dangerous?
Antibiotic resistance is not just a medical problem, it is a public health crisis.
Treatments fail, making common infections more difficult to treat.
Hospital stays become longer and more expensive.
More toxic medications are needed, which increases the risk of side effects.
Surgeries and organ transplants become more risky.
Even simple infections such as urinary tract infections or pneumonia can become fatal again if we lose antibiotics due to resistance.
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How can we prevent this?
The solution lies in awareness and responsible use.
Here’s what we can all do:
Take antibiotics only when prescribed by a qualified health care professional.
Complete the full course even if you feel better.
Never share or reuse antibiotics.
Avoid demanding antibiotics for colds or viral illnesses.
Practicing hygiene – hand washing, vaccination and safe food handling prevents infection in the first place.
Healthcare professionals and pharmacists must also play their part through pharmacovigilance and patient education.
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