Antibiotic resistance

Definition

Antibiotic resistance is the ability of bacteria to survive and grow in the presence of drugs designed to kill them. This occurs through genetic mutations or horizontal gene transfer.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Antibiotic resistance genes can be transferred between bacteria through processes like conjugation, transformation, and transduction.
2. Misuse and overuse of antibiotics in medicine and agriculture accelerate the development of antibiotic-resistant strains.
3. Resistant infections lead to longer hospital stays, higher medical costs, and increased mortality.
4. Multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs) are particularly concerning because they are resistant to multiple classes of antibiotics.
5. Genetic engineering techniques, such as CRISPR-Cas9, are being explored to combat antibiotic resistance by targeting resistance genes.

Review Questions

• What are the primary mechanisms by which bacteria acquire antibiotic resistance genes?
• How does the misuse of antibiotics contribute to the spread of antibiotic resistance?
• Why are multi-drug resistant organisms a significant concern in healthcare settings?

Related terms

Horizontal Gene Transfer:

The movement of genetic material between organisms other than by vertical transmission (from parent to offspring).

CRISPR-Cas9:

A genome editing tool that allows for precise modifications to DNA sequences within living organisms.

Conjugation:

A process where two bacteria form a direct connection through a pilus to transfer genetic material.