Question

Lesson 1:  Antibiotic Resistance

Question Part 1:  Please discuss and elaborate on some of the main drivers or causes of antibiotic resistance among pathogenic bacteria.  

Question Part II:  What measures are or are not being taken to address antibiotic resistance?

Answer 1

1. There are two main way through which pathogenic bacterial cell can accquire antibiotic resistance. One is through mutation that occur in the DNA of the cell during replication. The other way is through horizontal gene transfer. There are 3 different ways in which this can occur, but in each case genetic material is transferred from amtibiotic resistanced bacteria, exposure to antibiotics kills of non resistance bacteria, while the antibiotic resistant bacteria proliferate.

Other common way include absence of discovery of new antibodies, poor hygine amd sanitation, poor infection control in health care setting, overuse of antibiotics, not finishing the entire antibiotic course, its overuse.

2. Inhibit the use of antibiotics to treat viral infection such as influenza, common cold and etc.

Use antibiotics only when doctors prescribe it.

Never use the leftover antibiotics.

Always take the full prescription, even if you feel better.

Prevent infection by regularly washing hands, staying away from sick people and keeping your vaccination up to date.

Never share antibiotics with others.