Antibiotic Resistance

• What is antibiotic resistance?


  It is the ability of bacteria to survive exposure to antibiotics that would normally kill them.
• Why is antibiotic resistance a problem?


  It makes infections harder to treat and can lead to the spread of resistant bacteria.
• What is the most well-known example of an antibiotic?

  Penicillin
• How did penicillin initially affect bacteria?


  It was able to kill many different types of bacteria.
• How does antibiotic resistance develop in bacteria?


  Through random mutations in their DNA that change their characteristics.
• What happens to bacteria that develop resistance to antibiotics?


  They survive and replicate quickly, forming a new colony with the resistance gene.
• What is an antibiotic resistant strain?


  It is a type of bacteria that has developed resistance to antibiotics.
• What can happen if a person with antibiotic resistant bacteria passes it on to others?


  Others may become infected and the same antibiotic may not work for them.
• What happens when bacteria develop resistance to multiple antibiotics?


  They are referred to as superbugs.
• What is an example of a superbug?

  MRSA
• Why is MRSA particularly concerning?


  It is resistant to many antibiotics and can be fatal, especially in hospitals.
• How common is it for bacteria to develop resistance?


  It is uncommon for bacteria to develop resistance.
• What is the importance of completing a course of antibiotics?


  It helps to ensure that all bacteria are killed, reducing the chance of resistance.
• How much antibiotics are estimated to be used each year?


  Approximately 100,000 tons.
• Why do doctors sometimes prescribe antibiotics when they won't help?


  They may do so for viral illnesses or non-serious cases.
• How are antibiotics used in farming?


  They are given to healthy animals to prevent illness and promote growth.
• What is the consequence of using antibiotics in farming?


  It creates a breeding ground for antibiotic resistance.
• What are scientists trying to do about antibiotic resistance?


  They are developing new antibiotics to combat resistant strains.
• What are the steps in the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria?


  1. Antibiotics are used to kill bacteria.
  2. Some bacteria develop random mutations.
  3. Resistant bacteria survive and replicate.
  4. New colonies of resistant bacteria form.
  5. Resistance can spread to other individuals.
• What are the implications of antibiotic resistance for public health?


  • Increased difficulty in treating infections
  • Higher medical costs
  • Greater risk of severe illness or death
  • Spread of resistant bacteria in communities