Superbugs: the race to stop an epidemic

Drug-resistant bacteria, or superbugs, pose a significant medical threat. Doctor Matt McCarthy and his mentor Tom Walsh are working on a groundbreaking clinical trial for a new antibiotic that could eradicate certain kinds of superbugs and save millions of lives. The trial faces numerous hurdles, and time is of the essence for patients like Jackson, who may lose their leg or life if the antibiotic doesn't work. Superbugs is a compelling tale of medical ingenuity and the ethics of medical research.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 304 pages
\n Publication date: 13 June 2019
\n Publisher: Scribe Publications
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One of the most significant medical dangers we face today is the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria, commonly referred to as superbugs. In this captivating narrative, a doctor, researcher, and ethics professor shares the exhilarating journey of his race to defeat these resilient microorganisms and save countless lives.

The story begins when doctor Matt McCarthy encounters Jackson, a mechanic from Queens, in the emergency room, seeking treatment for an infected gunshot wound. Typically, antibiotics would be prescribed to combat such infections, but Jackson's case is part of a growing number of superbugs that have developed resistance to known drugs. With limited options available, McCarthy and his mentor, Tom Walsh, embark on a groundbreaking clinical trial for a new antibiotic they believe has the potential to eradicate certain types of superbugs and prove the financial viability of investing in these drugs for the benefit of millions of lives.

However, the road to administering the drug to patients is filled with numerous hurdles, and time is of the essence for individuals like Jackson. Superbugs is a compelling tale of medical ingenuity, tracing the history of medicine from the muddy trenches of the First World War, where Alexander Fleming searched for a cure for soldiers with infected wounds, to the breakthroughs in antibiotics and antifungals today that hold the promise of revolutionizing the treatment of infections.

McCarthy takes the reader on a thrilling roller-coaster ride through this journey, introducing us to patients like Remy, a teenage girl facing a dangerous and rare infection; Donny, a retired firefighter with a weakened immune system; and Bill, the author's father-in-law, who contracts a deadly staph infection. Along the way, we delve into the ethical considerations of medical research, exploring why potentially life-saving treatments may not be accessible to all patients due to factors such as cost and availability.

Through his experiences and insights, McCarthy highlights the urgent need for continued research and development in the field of antibiotics and antifungals. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration between medical professionals, researchers, and policymakers to address the growing threat of superbugs and ensure that everyone has access to effective and affordable treatments.

Superbugs is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It reminds us of the profound impact that medical advancements can have on our lives and the importance of never giving up in the pursuit of better health and well-being. This captivating narrative will leave readers inspired and motivated to contribute to the ongoing fight against drug-resistant bacteria and work towards a brighter future for all.

\n Weight: 406g\n
Dimension: 234 x 155 x 22 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781911617433\n \n