Why do some bacteria become resistant to antibiotics?
Quick Answer
Bacteria evolve resistance through mutation and gene exchange, and antibiotics kill the susceptible ones while resistant survivors multiply. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics speed up this process.
The Full Story
Antibiotic resistance is a classic example of natural selection. Random mutations can change a bacterial target or pump the drug out of the cell, and bacteria can also share resistance genes on plasmids. When antibiotics are used unnecessarily or too broadly, susceptible bacteria are removed and resistant ones are left behind to spread. This is why drug-resistant infections are a major public-health issue worldwide. Resistance is not caused by the patient’s body becoming immune; it is the bacteria that adapt.
Key Facts
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