Rise of Antibiotic-Resistant Superbug in Hospitals Tracked Over Decades

University of East Anglia (UEA) researchers have traced the global spread of a deadly antibiotic-resistant superbug using decades-old hospital samples, revealing how the pathogen quietly expanded its reach over decades. The study, published in *Nature Microbiology*, analyzed strains of *Klebsiella pneumoniae* collected from 1975 to 2015, uncovering a pattern of evolution and transmission that began in the United Kingdom in the 1970s before spreading to the United States in the 1980s and later to other regions. The bacteria, resistant to carbapenem antibiotics, thrived in hospital environments, adapting to evade treatments and exploit modern healthcare networks.

By sequencing the genomes of 124 historical isolates, the team identified genetic mutations that enhanced the superbug’s ability to survive in clinical settings and resist multiple antibiotics. The research highlights how international travel, patient transfers between hospitals, and interconnected healthcare systems facilitated its global dissemination. While the superbug initially remained confined to specific regions, its rise coincided with increased antibiotic use and the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains. The findings underscore the critical role of historical data in understanding pathogen evolution and the urgent need for improved infection control measures and surveillance to combat antibiotic resistance.

The study emphasizes that antibiotic-resistant infections pose a growing threat to global health, with this superbug now found on nearly every continent. Researchers stress that lessons from the past can inform strategies to mitigate future outbreaks, including stricter antibiotic stewardship and enhanced cross-border collaboration to track and contain emerging threats. The work also highlights the value of preserving clinical samples for long-term scientific analysis.