Drug resistance

Definition

Drug resistance is the reduction in effectiveness of a medication in curing a disease or condition. It occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to withstand drugs that once successfully treated them.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Drug resistance often arises from genetic mutations in microorganisms.
2. Misuse and overuse of antimicrobial drugs significantly contribute to the development of drug resistance.
3. Horizontal gene transfer can spread drug resistance between different bacterial species.
4. Combination therapy using multiple drugs can help manage and prevent drug resistance.
5. Monitoring and surveillance of drug-resistant infections are crucial for effective public health interventions.

Review Questions

• What are the primary mechanisms by which microorganisms develop drug resistance?
• How does the misuse of antimicrobial drugs contribute to drug resistance?
• Why is combination therapy effective in managing drug-resistant infections?

Related terms

Antibiotic Resistance:

The ability of bacteria to survive exposure to an antibiotic that would normally kill them.

Horizontal Gene Transfer:

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

Multidrug-Resistant Organisms (MDROs): Microorganisms that are resistant to multiple antimicrobial drugs, making infections difficult to treat.