Causes of antibiotic resistance

Antibiotic resistance cannot be stopped completely as it happens naturally through:-

• Mutations of the bacterial genes
• Transfer of resistant genes from one bacterium to another. 

But this process is speeding up due to the current ‘Misuse and Overuse’ of antibiotics.

The main cause of antibiotic resistance is antibiotic use. The diagram below shows the main steps in this process:

Image source: Health matters: antimicrobial resistance - GOV.UK

1. Disease-causing bacteria in the human body exist, they are all slightly different, some naturally are resistant to antibiotics
2. We give the patient antibiotics and only the non-resistant ones are killed
3. The resistant bacteria now have more resources such as space and nutrients so multiply rapidly
4. All the bacteria in the pateint are now antibiotic resistant
5. The antibiotic no longer works agains these bacteria

Unfortunately this process doesn't only occur when treating patients for infections. Bacteria are exposed to antibiotics and antimicorbial agents through other ways such as:

• Preventing infection e.g. after surgery
• Administration to animals, some are given routinely in animal feed
• Routine cleaning with antimicrobial agents (this is why antibiotic resistant bacteria are prevalent in places such as hospitals,)

Any exposure to antibiotics or antimicrobial agents can cause bacteria to become resistant.

However, there is a lot we can still do:

• Decreasing antibiotic prescribing and incorrect usage will reduce the exposure of bacteria to antibiotics so rate of resitances will decrease.
• Improving infection control reduces opportunities for bacteria to spread. This means less infections so less people requiring antibiotics. 
• Educating everyone about antibiotic resistance and how they can help prevent resistance.