Describe how bacteria develop antibiotic resistance.
A: Bacteria develop antibiotic resistance when it changes in a manner in which reduces or eliminates the effectiveness of drugs, chemicals, or other agents designed to cure or prevent infections. Also, if a person stops taking antibiotics before the prescription is finished, most of the bacteria die, but some more resistant bacteria survive and multiply, which can then spread to other people?
Right.
To describe how bacteria develop antibiotic resistance, we need to understand the process of natural selection. Bacteria reproduce rapidly, and during this process, genetic mutations occur randomly. These mutations can give certain bacteria a survival advantage in the presence of antibiotics.
When antibiotics are introduced into an environment with bacteria, they target specific mechanisms within the bacterial cells, either killing the bacteria or inhibiting their growth. However, some bacteria may have naturally occurring mutations or acquired genes that enable them to survive exposure to certain antibiotics.
Here's a step-by-step explanation of the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria:
1. Mutation: Random genetic mutations occur naturally in bacterial populations. These mutations can alter genes responsible for drug targets or the ability to neutralize the antibiotic's effect.
2. Selection pressure: When antibiotics are used, they create a selective environment that favors the growth of bacteria that are resistant to the drug. The antibiotic kills the susceptible bacteria, but those with resistance genes survive and reproduce, passing on their resistance to subsequent generations.
3. Horizontal gene transfer: Bacteria can acquire resistance genes from other bacteria through processes like conjugation, transformation, or transduction. This allows the rapid spread of resistance genes within a bacterial population, even between different species.
4. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics: Inappropriate use of antibiotics, such as not completing a full course of treatment or using antibiotics for viral infections, can further contribute to the development of resistance. This creates an environment where only a small fraction of the bacterial population is exposed to the drug but allows the survival and proliferation of resistant bacteria.
5. Evolution of resistance: Over time, the resistant bacteria become more prevalent, making the antibiotics less effective. The continued use of these antibiotics leads to the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria that can withstand multiple types of antibiotics.
To address antibiotic resistance, it is crucial to follow proper antibiotic usage guidelines, promote hygiene practices, and develop new antibiotics or alternative treatment strategies.