What Are Superbugs?

How Are Superbugs Created?

Posted on August 14, 2015 by Shapiro Law Group

Superbugs are bacteria that have grown resistant to antibiotics and other treatments. Another name for superbugs is hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). Doctors attempting to treat superbugs might be helpless to stop them from spreading in patients.

What are superbugs and how are they created? Superbugs include bacterium such as CRE (carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae), MRSA (Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus) and C. diff (Clostridium difficile). The bacteria were once treated with antibiotics, but over time evolved to become resistant. Now scientists and medical professionals are baffled on how to stop superbugs from spreading.

Since its discovery in 1961, MRSA has killed millions worldwide. According to a report by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, MRSA kills 119,000 U.S. hospital patients every year.

CRE is another superbug that is resistant to various antibiotics. Normally found within the intestines, the bacteria can spread throughout the body and cause severe illness. Several commonly used medical devices can spread the bacteria. However, this superbug is more likely to target patients who already have weakened immune systems or have stayed long-term in health care environments.

Last year, a report from the British government found that superbugs could kill 10 million worldwide every year and cost $100 trillion by 2050.

Can Hospitals Stop Superbugs?

Superbugs and HAIs recently caught the attention of Congress, which instituted the Hospital Acquired Condition Reduction Program. The program is overseen by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services and the Centers for Disease Control. Hospitals with poor sanitation practices and higher levels of infections can lose funding.

In some cases, patients and surviving family members have filed medical negligence lawsuits against hospitals for deaths and injuries involving superbugs.

Shapiro Law Group – Tampa Bay Medical Malpractice Attorneys

Tags: SuperBugs

What Our Clients Say

“My dad lost his fingers on one hand due to malpractice after a successful surgery that did not involve fingers. For months we were told it was because of debris in his blood. It was not. Mr. Shapiro and his associates were relentless in getting the medical records until the "missing" page was sent. Then they had the hard and arduous job of finding a doctor willing to testify. An informative video and audio with the doctor's testimony was presented. Case closed. Because of their due diligence, a satisfactory settlement was reached. Mr. Shapiro's law firm worked hard, were extremely thorough, professional, and kept in constant communication throughout the whole stressful ordeal. Mr. Shapiro still remembers my parents and keeps in touch with my mom, even after 15 years have passed. That alone is impressive.”

Patti A.

“The Shapiro Law Group represented our daughter, family, and reputation in winning our daughters case that was due to a catastrophic injury. We interviewed many lawyers and felt Mr. Shapiro would ultimately do what was best for our family. Being involved in a lawsuit is very difficult, emotional, and exhausting. If it weren’t for the Shapiro Law Group fighting for our daughter and family, I don’t know where we would be now. They are very thorough, knowledgeable, and know what needs to be done. Lawsuits can take a very long time, and we knew that Shapiro Law Group would not give up. They did whatever was necessary to help our daughter. We can’t thank Mr. Shapiro enough for all he has done for so many! During a very difficult situation in our lives, the Shapiro Law Group went above and beyond in guiding our family in helping our daughter. We would highly recommend this firm. Thank you,”

Stephanie P.

“Attorney Richard Shapiro was able to provide me with very knowledgeable and competent legal expertise to resolve my case.”

D. Harrison