Multidrug resistant bacteria

Definition

Multidrug resistant bacteria are bacteria that have developed resistance to multiple antibiotics, making them difficult to treat. They pose a significant challenge in clinical settings and public health due to limited treatment options.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Multidrug resistant bacteria can arise through gene mutations or by acquiring resistance genes from other bacteria.
2. Common examples include MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and VRE (Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci).
3. The misuse and overuse of antibiotics in humans and animals accelerate the development of multidrug resistant bacteria.
4. These bacteria can cause severe infections that are harder and more expensive to treat, often requiring alternative medications with more side effects.
5. In hospitals, strict infection control measures are necessary to prevent the spread of multidrug resistant bacteria.

Review Questions

• What mechanisms do bacteria use to become multidrug resistant?
• Name two common examples of multidrug resistant bacteria.
• Why is the misuse of antibiotics a significant factor in the development of multidrug resistance?

Related terms

Antibiotic Resistance: The ability of microbes to survive and grow in the presence of drugs designed to kill them.

Horizontal Gene Transfer: A process by which an organism transfers genetic material to another organism that is not its offspring.

Nosocomial Infection: An infection acquired in a hospital or healthcare facility setting.