Carbapenems are a class ofantibiotics which act against a wide range ofbacteria. Their structure is difficult for bacterialenzymes to break down.[1] They were originally developed from a product ofStreptomyces cattleya.[2]
Carbapenems are one of the "antibiotics of last resort" for many bacterial infections, such asEscherichia coli (E. coli) andKlebsiella pneumoniae.[3]
Recently, alarm has been raised about an "Indian superbug".[4] This is a strain resistant to Carapenems, which was discovered inDelhi. This strain produces an enzyme which chops up the antibiotic molecule.
At present there are no new antibiotics in development to replace carbapenems. However, some older antibiotics may treat bacteria that are resistant to carbapenems.[5]