When bacteria evolve or adapt to survive antibiotic treatments, they develop antibacterial resistance. This can lead to antibiotics becoming less effective.

Bacteria is a single-celled organism that can be found in any environment. Itare found both inside and outside other organisms. It multiply in the body can cause infection. There are different typesTrustedSource of bacterial infections that can affect different body parts.

A doctor will prescribe antibacterials to treat bacterial infections. These are medications that fight bacterial infections. The antibiotics work by either killing bacteria or making them difficult to multiply. Antibiotics are effective against bacteria but not other pathogens such as viruses.

This article will explain antibiotic resistance, how it happens, and strategies to prevent it.

Definitions of Antibiotic Resistance

In some cases, infectious bacteria can adapt to or mutateTrusted Source is a response to antibiotics. The bacteria may no longer be able to respond to antibiotics. Certain antibiotics may not be as effective in treating certain bacteria strains.

This resistant strain of bacteria can then multiply and spread. The individuals can then use antibiotics for their infection. The strain’s resistance to antibiotics will make the treatment less effective or even fail. Bacterial infections can cause severe complications and may not be resolved.

What causes antibiotic resistance?

• Limiting access to the antibiotic: The bacteria may adapt and change the entryways or limit the number. It is possible to use outer membranes in order to block antibiotic medication from entering.
• Remove the antibiotic: Certain bacteria may use pumps within the cell wall to remove antibiotics that enter the cells.
• Altering or destroying antibiotics: Certain bacteria can break down antibiotics using enzymes or proteins. It can be destroyed or changed, rendering it ineffective.
• Change the antibiotic’s target: Antibiotics often destroy certain parts of bacteria known as targets. Some bacteria are able to adapt and change the target of the antibiotic, making it no longer effective.
• Bypassing antibiotic effects: Some bacterial cells can develop new processes. It can be used to help bacteria avoid the antibiotic’s intended target and make the drug ineffective.

When bacteria multiply, they will be able to pass resistance traits on. They can also transmit these traits to other bacteria. The health benefits of an antibiotic treatment usually outweigh any risk of resistance.

People are still taking antibiotics excessively when they shouldn’t. Misuse of antibiotics can reduce their effectiveness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, medical professionals in America prescribe around 47 millionTrustedSource antibiotics for infections that don’t require them.

Complications of antimicrobial resistance

Antibiotic drugs can become less effective due to antibiotic resistance. It can be difficult to treat bacterial infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In some cases, it can be difficult to treat. Alternative treatments may be required if a person is infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria. These alternative treatments can be costly and toxic.

Trusted Source is another example of a complication that can arise from antibiotic resistance.

• Hospitalizations for bacterial infections are longer
• Medical costs are on the rise
• Increased mortality rates for those with bacterial infections

Which bacteria are the most dangerous?

Medical professionals have documented antibiotic resistance in nearly all trusted source antibacterials. The severity and frequency of certain bacterial infections can be a serious threat.

Here are some of those bacteria that ca responsible for the most serious threats to health due to antibiotic resistance.

Enterobacteriaceae

Enterobacteriaceae belongs to the bacterial familyTrusted Source. It can cause serious infections in:

• Urinary tract infection 
• Bloodstream
• Wounds

These bacteria can cause lung infections. Some of these bacteria are resistant to nearly all antibiotics.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae (N. gonorrhoeae)

N. gonorrhoeae, a bacterial species that causes gonorrhoea (STI), is a sexually transmitted disease. Some of these infections can be resistant to drugs, but not all. Nearly all antibiotics used to treat gonorrhea have developed resistanceTrustedSource.

Acinetobacter

Acinetobacter is a bacterial group that is often presentTrusted Sourcein soil and water. This group of bacteria is able to cause infections:

• Blood
• Urinary tract
• lungs
• Wounds

Patients in intensive care units and healthcare settings are commonly infected with Acinetobacter. These infections are common in people.

• Immune system weakened
• With chronic pulmonary disease
• With open Wounds
• On breathing machines or catheters

The term “antibiotic resistance” means that no more than three classes of antibiotics can effective in treating Acinetobacter infection.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa)

P. aeruginosa bacteria may cause mild ailments, including ear infections and rashes. If a person’s immune system is weakened, they can develop serious infections in the bloodstream or even contract pneumonia.

It can happen to people who have had surgery, are on breathing machines, or use catheters or breathing devices. Some strains are resistant to all antibiotics. Some strains of P. These infections are dangerous and difficult to treat.

Salmonella

Salmonella is one of the types of bacteria that may cause.

• diarrhoea
• fever
• abdominal cramps

Some strains of Salmonella have a resistance to antibiotics. This can make infections more serious. Salmonella infections that are more severe can spread into a person’s body and become life-threatening.

How can we combat antibiotic resistance?

These factors can contribute to antibiotic resistance.

• Antibiotics are being misused
• Overuse of antibiotics
• Poor infection prevention and control

You can take a variety of steps to prevent and control antimicrobial resistance.

• Only using antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare professional
• Never insist on antibiotics when a doctor says you don’t need them
• Always follow the advice of a healthcare professional, and when taking antibiotics. This includes taking them for their full prescribed duration.
• Avoid sharing or using leftover antibiotics
• Regularly washing your hands
• Hygiene in food preparation
• Avoiding close contact with sick people
• practicing safe sex
• Vaccinations up to date

Summary

Antibiotics help treat bacterial infections. Some bacteria are able to adapt or mutate in order to survive antibiotic treatment. These bacteria multiply and can pass their antibiotic resistance on to newly formed cells.

It can be difficult to treat bacterial infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Antibiotic resistance can spread from person to person when these infections are transmitted. To help control and prevent antibiotic resistance, but a person should only use antibiotics if a doctor prescribes them and follow the advice of their healthcare provider when using them.