Based On What You Learned From The Videos And What You Have

Based on what you learned from the Videos and what you have learned about antimicrobial resistance from your textbook

How do bacteria develop resistance (first paragraph) What can be done to reduce antimicrobial resistance? (2nd paragraph) Read your classmates' postings, and respond to at least one of them. Your post will be graded as follows:( see the attached rubric) Clear response to the prompt(s) using standard English grammar and spelling 90% Substantial comment to one classmate (do not simply say "Good Idea" or "I agree"). Demonstrate thoughtfulness towards the topic, it should relate insignts or genuine understanding. 10%Total100%

Paper For Above instruction

Bacterial resistance to antimicrobial agents is primarily driven by genetic adaptations that enable bacteria to survive exposure to antibiotics. These resistance mechanisms can develop through several processes. One common method is genetic mutation, where random changes in bacterial DNA confer resistance traits, such as producing enzymes that degrade antibiotics (e.g., beta-lactamases), altering target sites of antibiotics, or increasing efflux pump activity to remove antibiotics from the cell. Such mutations occur spontaneously and can be selected for when antibiotics eliminate susceptible bacteria, leaving resistant strains to proliferate. Horizontal gene transfer also plays a significant role in resistance development. Bacteria can acquire resistance genes from other bacteria via conjugation, transformation, or transduction. This exchange of genetic material allows rapid spread of resistance traits across different bacterial populations, often facilitated by plasmids and transposons, which serve as vehicles for gene transfer. The selective pressure exerted by widespread antibiotic use in medicine, agriculture, and animal husbandry accelerates this process, promoting resistant strains' survival and proliferation, ultimately complicating infection control and treatment strategies.

To combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance, several strategies can be employed. Primarily, the judicious use of antibiotics is essential; this includes prescribing antibiotics only when necessary, ensuring appropriate dosages, and completing prescribed courses to prevent partially resistant bacteria from surviving. Implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programs in healthcare settings can further monitor and guide antibiotic use, reducing unnecessary prescriptions. Additionally, infection prevention measures such as improved hygiene, vaccination, and sanitation can decrease the incidence of bacterial infections, thereby reducing antibiotic use. The development of new antibiotics and alternative therapies, including phage therapy and antimicrobial peptides, is also crucial to stay ahead of resistance patterns. Public education campaigns can raise awareness about responsible antibiotic use among the general population, preventing misuse and overuse. Ultimately, a multi-faceted approach that combines responsible prescribing practices, infection control, research, and public engagement is vital to slowing the progression of antimicrobial resistance and preserving the efficacy of existing antibiotics for future generations.

References

• Davies, J., & Davies, D. (2010). Origins and Evolution of Antibiotic Resistance. Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews, 74(3), 417–433.
• World Health Organization. (2015). Antimicrobial resistance: Global report on surveillance. WHO Press.
• Laxminarayan, R., et al. (2013). Antibiotic resistance—the need for global solutions. The Lancet Infectious Diseases, 13(12), 1057–1098.
• CDC. (2019). Antibiotic Resistance Threats in the United States, 2019. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Levy, S. B. (2002). Factors impacting on the problem of antibiotic resistance. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 49(1), 25-30.