Antibiotic resistance

• What is antibiotic resistance?

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

  It makes bacterial 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?

  Bacteria develop random mutations in their DNA.
• What happens to bacteria that survive antibiotic treatment?

  They can replicate and form a resistant colony.
• 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 initially but resistance can develop.
• What are superbugs?

  Bacteria resistant to multiple antibiotics.
• Why is MRSA a concern in hospitals?

  It can be fatal and is hard to treat.
• 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 kill all bacteria, including resistant ones.
• 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 in animals.
• 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.
• What is the process of antibiotic resistance development in bacteria?

  • Bacteria undergo random mutations in DNA.
  • Some mutations lead to reduced antibiotic effectiveness.
  • Resistant bacteria survive and replicate.
  • New colonies form with resistance genes.
• What are the implications of antibiotic resistance in healthcare and farming?

  • Increased difficulty in treating infections.
  • Higher healthcare costs due to prolonged illnesses.
  • Spread of resistant bacteria in communities.
  • Compromised effectiveness of existing antibiotics.