Difference between revisions of "Antibiotic resistance"
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| − | + | '''Antibiotic resistance''' is the ability of a microorganism to withstand the effects of [[antibiotics]]. It is a specific type of [[drug resistance]]. Antibiotic resistance evolves naturally via [[natural selection]] acting upon random mutation, but it could also be engineered by applying an evolutionary stress on a population. Once such a gene is generated, [[bacteria]] can then transfer the genetic information in a horizontal fashion (between individuals) by plasmid exchange. If a bacterium carries several resistance [[genes]], it is called '''multiresistant''' or, informally, a '''superbug'''. The term '''antimicrobial resistance''' is sometimes use to explicitly encompass organisms other than bacteria. | |
Revision as of 02:24, July 5, 2008
Antibiotic resistance is the ability of a microorganism to withstand the effects of antibiotics. It is a specific type of drug resistance. Antibiotic resistance evolves naturally via natural selection acting upon random mutation, but it could also be engineered by applying an evolutionary stress on a population. Once such a gene is generated, bacteria can then transfer the genetic information in a horizontal fashion (between individuals) by plasmid exchange. If a bacterium carries several resistance genes, it is called multiresistant or, informally, a superbug. The term antimicrobial resistance is sometimes use to explicitly encompass organisms other than bacteria.