Superbug
Superbug
Superbug (pronunciation: /ˈsuːpərbʌɡ/) is a term used to describe strains of bacteria that are resistant to the majority of antibiotics commonly used today. These bacteria have developed resistance through natural selection and genetic changes.
Etymology
The term "superbug" is a colloquialism that arose in the late 20th century, in response to the increasing prevalence of these multi-drug resistant organisms. The prefix "super-" is derived from the Latin super, meaning "above", and the word "bug", a common slang term for a microorganism, particularly a bacterium.
Related Terms
- Antibiotic resistance: The ability of a microorganism to withstand the effects of an antibiotic.
- Bacteria: A type of biological cell. They constitute a large domain of prokaryotic microorganisms.
- Genetic mutation: A permanent alteration in the DNA sequence that makes up a gene.
- Natural selection: The differential survival and reproduction of individuals due to differences in phenotype.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Superbug
- Wikipedia's article - Superbug
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