We know why bacteria become resistant to antibiotics, but how does this actually happen?

[AussieNeil]

Here's an easy to follow article explaining how bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics by Laura Christine McCaughey, Research Fellow in Microbiology, University of Technology Sydney: theconversation.com/we-know...

Regarding the 5 listed ways in which antibiotic resistance can happen:

1) Bacterial cell entry

2) Efflux pumps

3) Antibiotic degrading enzymes

4) Antibiotic altering enzymes

5) Physical changes to antibiotic targets

Laura states 'These mechanisms can occur when the bacteria are inside us, inside animals or out in the environment. This is why using antibiotics in the farming industry is such a problem. The bacteria can become antibiotic-resistant in the animals, and then they can pass into the environment through things like manure.

It’s essential we safeguard our current antibiotics by using them appropriately and invest time and money into developing new ones, which we will hopefully not take for granted.'

Given our greater need of antibiotics to help us combat bacterial and fungal infections when our compromised immune system just can't manage without some help, educating others about the importance of appropriate use of antibiotics helps everyone.

Neil

Photo: Monarch butterfly resting on a budding eucalyptus

[wroxham-gb]

Great photo.

Sue