Prescription for a superbug crisis

Prescription for a superbug crisis

From Living Planet by DW

May 8, 2026 · 29 min

About this episode

The episode explores Vanessa's battle with a recurring infection caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria and its broader implications.

After a life-changing accident, Vanessa spent years fighting a dangerous infection that kept coming back. Eventually, doctors discovered why: the bacteria fueling it were resistant to antibiotics. Her story leads us far beyond the hospital, into waterways, soils, and a hidden world where the medicines meant to save us may be helping create the next superbugs.

People in this episode

Guest: Vanessa

Topics covered

  • superbugs
  • antibiotic resistance
  • healthcare
  • environment
  • bacteria
  • infection

Keywords

  • superbug crisis
  • antibiotics
  • resistant bacteria
  • health
  • waterways
  • soils

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: DW

More episodes of Living Planet

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Living Planet podcast page.