Superbugs: Deadly Microbes and the Extraordinary Race for a Cure: A Tale of Human Ingenuity

by Matt McCarthy

International Bestseller

"An amazing, informative book that changes our perspective on medicine, microbes and our future."
--Siddhartha Mukherjee, MD, New York Times bestselling author of The Emperor of All Maladies

A New York Times bestselling author shares this exhilarating story of cutting-edge science and the race against the clock to find new treatments in the fight against the antibiotic-resistant bacteria known as superbugs.

Physician, researcher, and ethics professor Matt McCarthy is on the front lines of a groundbreaking clinical trial testing a new antibiotic to fight lethal superbugs, bacteria that have built up resistance to the life-saving drugs in our rapidly dwindling arsenal. This trial serves as the backdrop for the compulsively readable Superbugs , and the results will impact nothing less than the future of humanity.

Dr. McCarthy explores the history of bacteria and antibiotics, from Alexander Fleming's discovery of penicillin, to obscure sources of innovative new medicines (often found in soil samples), to the cutting-edge DNA manipulation known as CRISPR, bringing to light how we arrived at this juncture of both incredible breakthrough and extreme vulnerability. We also meet the patients whose lives are hanging in the balance, from Remy, a teenager with a dangerous and rare infection, to Donny, a retired New York City firefighter with a compromised immune system, and many more.

The proverbial ticking clock will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Can Dr. McCarthy save the lives of his patients infected with the deadly bacteria, who have otherwise lost all hope?

Genres: Medicine, Science

304 pages, Paperback

Published June 9, 2020

Reviews

[Luke Bass · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book a lot. It was a bit hard to follow at times as the focus shifted frequently from a drug study to slightly disjointed stories about different patients, but I think that was meant to show how crazy it is in the life of an extremely busy and ambitious doctor. I also connected with the author’s overall mentality a bit. He was a former collegiate baseball player, and his competitive mindset translated to his professional life, which I have seen in myself as well. He also focused a lot on helping people, and I hope to do the same when I continue my research in grad school. Would recommend to anyone interested in learning about drug development and the life of research/medicine.

[Emily H Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

The books information is great and easily understood, but I found the book itself to be a bit disorganized.
Overall it was a good read and super interesting.

[Anna Y · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting insight into the world of infectious disease doctors while also being a memoir for the author's adoration towards his mentor. Made me want to dive into more antibiotic history, but also introduced me to drug-resistant fungi. After seeing so much bad in the world of healthcare, it was refreshing to read about stories, however polished, where people help others with no expectation of repayment or recognition. Isn't that what it's all about?

[Emma Roberge · Rating 3 out of 5]

scary subject. well written. some excess, some light ego stroking of one mr matt mccarthy. but loved the discussion of ethics throughout.

[Hattie Grant · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read this book for a class- really liked it, but it felt jumbled often. But I really appreciated it

[Briann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a fun, easy, informative read. It was a great book for a beginner’s overview of superbugs and antibiotics. I liked the way the author sprinkled historical and scientific stories throughout the book. The only con was at times it was hard to follow the book’s progression, specifically the author’s clinical trial progression.