6.3.7 resistant bacteria (move later)

Question 1

Why can bacteria evolve rapidly?

Answer 1

because they reproduce at a fast rate

Question 2

What is a common example of a bacteria that is resistant to antibiotics?

Answer 2

MRSA

Question 3

3 needed

What measures can be taken to reduce the rate of development of antibiotic resistant strains?

Answer 3

• Doctors should not prescribe antibiotics inappropriately, such as treating non-serious or viral infections
• Patients should complete their course of antibiotics so all bacteria are killed and none survive to mutate and form resistant strains
• The agricultural use of antibiotics should be restricted

Question 4

Why is the development of new antibiotics unlikely to keep up with the emergence of new resistant strains?

Answer 4

because the development of new antibiotics is costly and slow

Question 5

What has the increase of antibiotic-resistant strains been caused by?

Answer 5

• non-resistant strains killed (by antibiotics)
• so less competition
• overuse of antibiotics / antibiotics prescribed for mild infections