What is Antibiotic Resistance? #81

• What is antibiotic resistance?

  It's when bacteria become resistant to antibiotics
• Why is antibiotic resistance a problem?

  It makes infections harder to treat
• What is the most well-known antibiotic?

  Penicillin
• How did penicillin initially affect bacteria?

  It killed many different types of bacteria
• How does antibiotic resistance develop in bacteria?

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

  They survive and replicate quickly
• What is an antibiotic resistant strain?

  A new type of bacteria resistant to antibiotics
• What can happen if a person with antibiotic resistant bacteria infects others?

  They can pass on the resistant bacteria
• What happens when a new antibiotic is prescribed for resistant bacteria?

  It may work, but resistance can develop again
• What are superbugs?

  Bacteria resistant to multiple antibiotics
• Why is MRSA considered a superbug?

  It is resistant to many antibiotics
• How common is it for bacteria to develop resistance?

  It's uncommon and often only partial resistance
• Why is it important to complete a course of antibiotics?

  To ensure all bacteria are killed
• How much antibiotics are estimated to be used each year?

  100,000 tons
• Why do doctors sometimes prescribe antibiotics unnecessarily?

  For viral illnesses or non-serious cases
• How are antibiotics used in farming?

  To prevent illness and promote growth
• What is a consequence of using antibiotics in healthy animals?

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

  Develop new antibiotics for resistant strains
• Why is developing new antibiotics challenging?

  It is proving difficult and slow