Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotic resistance is the ability of bacteria to resist or overcome the effects of an antibiotic. The bacteria survive, despite treatment, continue to multiply and cause illness. Infections caused by bacteria that are resistant to many antibiotics can be difficult or even impossible to cure. Antibiotic-resistant organisms can cause illness that can lead to serious disease or even death. Over the last decade, many types of bacteria have become less responsive to antibiotic treatment.

Antibiotic resistance has been an increasing problem worldwide, particularly in areas where antibiotics are misused or inappropriately prescribed. Bacteria can become resistant when they mutate or acquire the genes of other resistant bacteria. Antibiotics can enhance bacterial resistance by killing susceptible bacteria and leaving the resistant strains to spread and multiply. Therefore, it is important to use antibiotics only when they are truly needed.