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Why are antibiotics failing?

Antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria evolve to withstand the drugs designed to kill them. This makes infections much harder to treat, sometimes leading to longer illnesses or even death. The shigella strain in the story is particularly concerning because about 70% of cases resist at least one key antibiotic, making it a significant public health threat.

Stories that explain this

Sexually transmitted shigella cases growing faster and resisting antibiotics

Related explainers

Who is most affected? What is Shigella? What are superbugs? Why is this a 'threat'? Why are harvests failing? How does anticipatory anxiety work?

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