Antibiotic Resistance in Bacteria

Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria Are: Bacteria that mutate and are able to resist the antibiotics that are meant to kill them. This is a normal process speeded up by the overuse and misuse of antibiotics.Bacteria that mutate and are able to resist the aBacteriatha mutate and are able to resist the antibiotics that are meant to kill them. ntibioti that are meant to kill them. This is a normal process speeded up by the overuse and misuse of antibiotics.

What is Antibiotic Misuse? Taking antibiotics when they are not needed: – for viral infections When needed, taking antibiotics incorrectly: – Stopping the medicine when you feel better - not finishing the prescription – Saving antibiotics for a future illness – Sharing or using someone else’s medicine

Why is Antibiotic Misuse a Problem? Antibiotics become less effective and may not work the next time you use them. Improper use of antibiotics leads to more antibiotic resistant bacteria. Antibiotic resistant bacteria can be spread throughout the community and from person to person.

Antibiotics promote resistance If a patient forgets to take the doses regularly, Then resistant strains get a chance to build up The antibiotics also kill bacteria which are non-pathogens e.g normal flora. Killing of normal flora reduces the competition for the resistant pathogens which will prolifirate quickly.

Antibiotic Resistance in Bacteria How does it happen ? Bacteria can become resistant as a result of genetic mutations; these can be transferred between bacteria. Under selective pressure of antibiotic exposure, these strains then proliferate.

Mechanisms of Bacterial Resistance : how DO they do it ??

Mechanisms Several mechanisms have evolved in bacteria which confer them with antibiotic resistance. These mechanisms can either: 1- chemically modify the antibiotic, render it inactive. 2- Physical removal from the cell, 3-Or modify target site so that it is not recognized by the antibiotic. 4-Prevention of penetration of drug

Antibiotic Selection for Resistant Bacteria

Antibiotic Resistance in Bacteria Why is it important? Antibiotic resistance has developed in almost all classes of bacteria of pathogenic potential. Resistance in organisms of low virulence can emerge as important pathogens. The development of resistant bacteria has driven pharmaceutical research to develop more potent, broad-spectrum antibiotics.