Antibiotic resistance

Definition

Antibiotic resistance refers to the ability of bacteria or other microorganisms to resist the effects of antibiotics, making them ineffective in treating infections. It occurs when bacteria mutate or acquire genes that allow them to survive and multiply even in the presence of antibiotics.

Related terms

Superbugs: Bacteria that have developed resistance to multiple types of antibiotics.

Horizontal gene transfer: The process by which bacteria can transfer antibiotic-resistant genes between each other.

Overprescription: The excessive use of antibiotics, leading to increased antibiotic resistance in bacteria.