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

Video

April 17, 2025 How Pew's Biomedical Programs Have Transformed Science

Article

March 19, 2025 Research Reveals Gaps in Oversight of AI for Radiology
Two health care providers wearing blue scrubs leave a hospital at night through a large glass revolving door.

Issue Brief

March 6, 2025 State Policy Can Improve Suicide Prevention in Health Care Settings

MORE FROM PEW

Fisheries’ Role in U.N. Biodiversity Targets
A person in a dark T-shirt stands at a table working on electrical wiring components. Creating Economic Opportunity Requires a Regional Approach
Philadelphia 2025: The State of The City
Two utility workers in safety gear—including helmets, gloves, and harnesses—working on a high-voltage transmission tower. They are standing on ladders and secured by safety ropes. The tower is made of metal beams forming a lattice against a blue sky with scattered clouds. As Energy Demand Grows, Indiana Eyes Advanced Technologies