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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Kat Lay

What is antimicrobial resistance and how big a problem is it?

Antibiotics Bacteria
Illustration of an antibiotic-resistant bacteria (white) on the colon epithelium. The antibiotic-resistant bacteria will go on to transfer its antibiotic resistance genes horizontally to the bacteria surrounding it.
Illustration of an antibiotic-resistant bacteria (white) on the colon epithelium. The antibiotic-resistant bacteria will go on to transfer its antibiotic resistance genes horizontally to the bacteria surrounding it. Photograph: Science Photo Library/Alamy

It kills millions every year, with a potential impact in the near future that could dwarf that of the Covid-19 pandemic but AMR, or antimicrobial resistance, remains a little-known problem outside specialist circles.

Experts say it is vital that we get a grip on it, with action needed across sectors from health to agriculture.

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