What is antibiotic resistance?

Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria evolve and develop mechanisms to withstand the effects of antibiotics that were previously effective against them. This resistance can arise through various mechanisms, such as genetic mutations, horizontal gene transfer, or the acquisition of resistance genes. When bacteria become resistant, standard treatments for infections become less effective, leading to prolonged illness, increased healthcare costs, and a greater risk of the spread of resistant bacteria.

The phenomenon of antibiotic resistance is a significant concern in public health because it can result from the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in both healthcare and agriculture, contributing to the selection pressure that favors resistant strains. Understanding this process is critical for developing effective strategies to address antibiotic resistance and improve treatment options for bacterial infections.