B15.8 Antibiotic resistant bacteria Flashcards
How do some bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics?
Due to natural mutation - a change in their genetic material
How does a bacteria become resistance?
There is variation among a colony of bacteria due to mutation
As the antibiotic kills vast amount of bacteria there are resistant bacteria left
The fittest bacteria which are adapted survive and produce by binary fission with the alleles against the antibiotic
How can we prevent more resistant strains of bacteria?
Do not overuse antibiotics - as well not using antibiotics against viruses
Finish the course of antibiotics to make sure all bacteria are killed
Limit antibiotic use in agriculture
What is MRSA?
A bacterium that was spread easily in hospitals
Introduced by cutting the skin and having vulnerable points
How was MRA reduced?
High standards of hygiene
Medical staff should wash their hands
Specific bacteria should be treated with specific antibiotics
Using swabs to detect it can prevent it in hospitals
Why is the development of new antibiotics uncertain?
It is costly and slow and is unlikely to keep up with the emergence of new resistant strains
