Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria is a Growing Threat

Where superbugs come from and what can be done to combat them

Data Visualization Updated:   February 12, 2021 Read time:
Projects: Antibiotic Resistance
Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria is a Growing Threat

Note: This infographic is no longer up to date. Please visit the updated version.

Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Is a Growing Threat, 2023: Where superbugs come from and what can be done to combat them. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria pose an urgent and growing public health threat. Common bacteria, such as those that cause urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted infections, are becoming increasingly difficult to treat. Without effective antibiotics, even simple infections could become deadly, making medical procedures like surgery, chemotherapy, and dialysis too dangerous.
Coronavirus
Coronavirus
Article April 27, 2020

How COVID-19 Is Increasing Antibiotic Use

Quick View
Coronavirus
Article April 27, 2020

In the span of just a few short months, the ramifications and impact of COVID-19 have been vast. Virtually every aspect of public health has been affected by this pandemic, and the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria is no exception.

Nontraditional products
Nontraditional products
Data Visualization May 17, 2017

Nontraditional Products for Bacterial Infections

Quick View
Nontraditional products
Data Visualization May 17, 2017

As of December 2019, an estimated 30 new nontraditional products with the potential to treat or prevent serious bacterial infections were in clinical development. Below is a snapshot of the current nontraditional products pipeline, based on publicly available information and informed by external experts.

Pills illustration
Pills illustration
Data Visualization May 29, 2020

New Antibiotics Needed to Fight Nightmare Superbug

Quick View
Pills illustration
Data Visualization May 29, 2020

CRE sickens thousands of Americans each year, but no new classes of drugs to treat it are in clinical development .

Related Experts
Kathy Talkington
Kathy Talkington Director
Health Programs
Media Contact
Sara Miller Senior Associate, Communications 202.540.6860
RELATED
Topics
Antibiotics
Tags
Superbugs
Projects
Antibiotic Resistance
Experts
Kathy Talkington

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Article

May 5, 2025 Health Care Providers Face Rising Preteen Suicide Rates

Article

April 30, 2025 Behavioral Health Work Should Engage Disability Community

Article

April 29, 2025 Survey Shows Few Jails Use Behavioral Health Diversion Tools

MORE FROM PEW

7 Stories Show How Conservation Helps Nature and People
Under a blue sea, old plastics and fishing gear float while fish swim around the debris. Fellowship Supports Ocean Plastic Research
3 Key Principles for Building Disaster-Ready State Budgets
A person with dark hair in blue scrubs stands at a computer monitor working on a light-colored keyboard. Nonprofit Sector Is Vital Piece of Philadelphia's Economy