6.4.2 Development of Antibiotic Resistance

• What does antibiotic resistance mean for bacteria?

  Withstand effects of antibiotics
• Antibiotic resistance in bacteria develops through natural selection.
• Steps in the development of antibiotic resistance through natural selection

  1️⃣ Mutation: Bacteria mutate, some becoming resistant to antibiotics.

  2️⃣ Selective Pressure: Antibiotic use eliminates sensitive bacteria.

  3️⃣ Reproduction: Resistant bacteria reproduce, passing on resistance genes.
• Match the bacteria type with its response to antibiotics:

  Sensitive bacteria ↔️ Killed or inhibited

  Resistant bacteria ↔️ Can withstand effects
• Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria develop the ability to withstand the effects of antibiotics
• What is one way bacteria can develop antibiotic resistance through genetic mutations?

  Altering antibiotic target sites
• Match the gene transfer mechanism with its description:

  Plasmids ↔️ Small, circular DNA that transfer resistance genes

  Transposons ↔️ Mobile genetic elements that insert resistance genes
• Efflux pumps reduce antibiotic concentration within bacteria by actively removing antibiotics.
• List human factors that contribute to antibiotic resistance:

  1️⃣ Overuse: Prescribing antibiotics when not necessary.

  2️⃣ Misuse: Taking antibiotics incorrectly or for viral infections.

  3️⃣ Non-compliance: Not completing full antibiotic course.

  4️⃣ Agricultural Practices: Using antibiotics in animal feed.
• What type of pressure leads to the survival of antibiotic-resistant bacteria?

  Selective pressure
• Antibiotic resistance develops through natural selection in three main steps: mutation, selective pressure, and reproduction
• Genetic mutations in bacteria can increase bacterial defense against antibiotics.
• What is the primary mechanism by which antibiotic resistance develops in bacteria?

  Natural selection
• Steps in the development of antibiotic resistance through natural selection

  1️⃣ Mutation: Bacteria mutate, some becoming resistant to antibiotics.

  2️⃣ Selective Pressure: Antibiotic use eliminates sensitive bacteria.

  3️⃣ Reproduction: Resistant bacteria reproduce, passing on resistance genes.
• Resistant bacteria have a higher survival rate in the presence of antibiotics compared to sensitive bacteria.
• What is the term for small, circular DNA in bacteria that can transfer resistance genes?

  Plasmids
• Mobile genetic elements called transposons insert resistance genes into bacterial chromosomes
• What is the function of efflux pumps in antibiotic resistance?

  Remove antibiotics from cells
• Match the resistance mechanism with its key feature:

  Genetic Mutations ↔️ Spontaneous DNA alterations

  Horizontal Gene Transfer ↔️ Acquisition of resistance genes

  Efflux Pumps ↔️ Active removal of antibiotics
• What is one example of antibiotic misuse that contributes to resistance?

  Using for viral infections
• Overuse of antibiotics increases selective pressure for resistant bacteria.
• Not completing the full course of antibiotics can leave resistant bacteria to survive and multiply
• What agricultural practice contributes to antibiotic resistance in humans?

  Using antibiotics in animal feed
• What is one consequence of antibiotic resistance on healthcare?

  Increased mortality
• The economic burden of antibiotic resistance includes increased healthcare costs
• What is one strategy to combat antibiotic resistance?

  Reduced antibiotic use
• Improved hygiene practices can help prevent the spread of resistant bacteria.
• Steps to combat antibiotic resistance:

  1️⃣ Reduce antibiotic use

  2️⃣ Improve hygiene

  3️⃣ Develop new antibiotics

  4️⃣ Educate and raise awareness

  5️⃣ Monitor resistance patterns
• What is an example of a program that aims to reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions in hospitals?

  Antibiotic stewardship program