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Resources : National Institute of Health: Center for Disease Control: Background: Evolution occurs in all living organisms from the smallest bacterial cells to the most complex animals. In bacterial cells evolution occurs rapidly in response to environmental pressures due to their simple genome and rapid reproduction rates. In this assignment you will explore the evolution in bacterial cells in relation to the development of resistance to antibiotic drugs. Choose a bacterium that has become resistant to multiple antibiotics. Consult the resources for additional information.

Create a multimedia presentation wherein you address the following points: Give a brief overview of the chosen bacterium including the genus and species. What disease(s) does the bacterium cause in humans? Briefly explain how the bacterium has evolved to become resistant to antibiotics. How is natural selection involved in the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria? How do antibiotics reduce bacterial biodiversity? Given what you have learned, how do you think the medical community should address the problem of antibiotic resistance? Include appropriate pictures with citations. Include academic references in APA format. Examples of multimedia presentation tools include the following: Microsoft® PowerPoint® presentations of at least 10- to 15-slides with detailed speaker notes (these should be similar to what would be stated in an oral presentation). Preziâ„¢ presentations. For other possibilities, please discuss with your facilitator.

Paper For Above instruction

The rapid evolution of bacteria in response to environmental pressures, especially through the development of antibiotic resistance, poses a significant challenge to public health worldwide. Among the numerous bacteria that have developed resistance, Escherichia coli stands out as a particularly concerning example due to its role in causing a variety of infections and its notable capacity to acquire resistance to multiple antibiotics.

Overview of Escherichia coli

E. coli is a gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium belonging to the genus Escherichia. It is predominantly found in the intestines of humans and other warm-blooded animals, where it generally exists as a harmless commensal organism. However, certain strains of E. coli can cause severe diseases such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), sepsis, meningitis, and gastrointestinal illnesses like diarrhea and dysentery (Kaper, Nataro, & Mobley, 2004). The pathogenicity of these strains is often associated with the presence of extra genes that encode virulence factors, enabling the bacteria to invade tissues and evade the immune response.

Evolution of Antibiotic Resistance in E. coli

The evolution of resistance in E. coli is primarily driven by the misuse and overuse of antibiotics in both healthcare and agriculture. This selective pressure encourages the survival and proliferation of resistant strains. E. coli acquires resistance through several mechanisms, including horizontal gene transfer via transformation, transduction, and conjugation. Mobile genetic elements, such as plasmids and transposons, play key roles in spreading resistance genes. For example, some E. coli strains have acquired genes encoding beta-lactamases, enzymes that deactivate beta-lactam antibiotics like penicillins and cephalosporins (LICHTENBERG et al., 2014). Mutations can also occur in chromosomal genes, further contributing to resistance.

Natural Selection and Antibiotic Resistance

Natural selection acts as a fundamental mechanism in the development of antibiotic resistance. When a bacterial population is exposed to antibiotics, susceptible bacteria are killed, whereas resistant bacteria survive and reproduce. Over time, this selective pressure increases the frequency of resistance genes in the bacterial community. As resistant strains proliferate, they become dominant, rendering certain antibiotics ineffective. This process accelerates in environments with high antibiotic use, such as hospitals and livestock farming, where resistant bacteria can exchange resistance determinants more readily (Davies & Davies, 2010).

Impact of Antibiotics on Bacterial Biodiversity

Antibiotics, while crucial for treating bacterial infections, also have unintended effects on bacterial biodiversity. They tend to reduce the diversity of bacterial communities by selectively eliminating susceptible organisms. This reduction in microbial diversity can disturb ecological balances, potentially allowing resistant strains and opportunistic pathogens to thrive. A decreased bacterial biodiversity not only hampers natural microbial functions but also increases the risk of antibiotic-resistant infections spreading within populations (Dethlefsen, Huse, Sogin, & Relman, 2008).

Addressing Antibiotic Resistance in the Medical Community

The growing threat of antibiotic resistance necessitates a multifaceted approach by the medical community. First, antibiotic stewardship programs should be strengthened to ensure responsible prescribing and to minimize unnecessary use. Second, there should be increased investment in developing new antibiotics and alternative therapies, such as phage therapy and immunomodulators. Infection prevention and control measures, including rigorous hygiene protocols and vaccination programs, can reduce infection rates and subsequently diminish antibiotic use (WHO, 2015). Additionally, public education campaigns should inform people about the importance of completing prescribed courses and avoiding self-medication. Collaboration among healthcare providers, researchers, policymakers, and the public is essential to curb the spread of resistance and preserve the efficacy of existing antibiotics (Laxminarayan et al., 2013).

Conclusion

In summary, the evolution of antibiotic-resistant E. coli exemplifies how bacterial populations adapt swiftly to human interventions through mechanisms like horizontal gene transfer and mutations. Addressing this crisis requires concerted efforts to promote responsible antibiotic use, develop new therapeutic options, and implement effective infection control practices. Only through a comprehensive, coordinated approach can the medical community hope to manage and mitigate the impact of antibiotic resistance on global health.

References

• Davies, J., & Davies, D. (2010). Origins and evolution of antibiotic resistance. Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews, 74(3), 417-433.
• Dethlefsen, L., Huse, S., Sogin, M. L., & Relman, D. A. (2008). The pervasive effects of an antibiotic on the human gut microbiota, as revealed by deep 16S rRNA sequencing. PLoS Biology, 6(11), e280.
• Kaper, J. B., Nataro, J. P., & Mobley, H. L. (2004). Pathogenic Escherichia coli. Nature Reviews Microbiology, 2(2), 123-140.
• Laxminarayan, R., Duse, A., Wattal, C., Zaidi, A. K., et al. (2013). Antibiotic resistance—the need for global solutions. The Lancet Infectious Diseases, 13(12), 1057-1098.
• Lichtenberg, T., et al. (2014). Spread of beta-lactamase producing Escherichia coli. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 58(1), 74-80.
• World Health Organization (WHO). (2015). Global action plan on antimicrobial resistance. WHO Press.