Antibiotic resistance

• How antibiotic resistance happens;

  1. A random mutation may occur making the bacteria resistant to antibiotics.
  2. So when exposed to antibiotic those without this gene will die while the bacteria with the gene will survive.
  3. These bacteria that survive can reproduce rapidly and pass on the gene with the antibiotic resistance.
  4. Therefore the population of bacteria which is resistant to antibiotics increases.
  5. As a result, this bacteria will be bale to spread to lots of people and there is no treatment.
• An bacteria which is resistant to many different antibiotics is called a superbug. An example is MRSA and mostly effects people in hospital.
• How to slow the development of antibiotic ressitance;

  • Not giving antibiotics for viral infections or non-serious infections.
  • Completing full course of antibiotics.
  • Used less in agriculture (as farmers overuse them in animlas to prevent disease).