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== 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 ===

* [[MRSA]]
* [[ESBL-producing bacteria]]
* [[Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae]]
* [[Antibiotic stewardship]]

[[Category:Medical terminology]]
[[Category:Bacteriology]]
[[Category:Antibiotic resistance]]
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