Antibiotic Resistance: How Bacteria Outlast Antibiotics, and How to Help Stop It

Antibiotics treat bacterial infections in people and animals, by killing bacteria or stopping them from growing and multiplying. Used properly, they save lives.

What resistance is

Antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria change so an antibiotic no longer works on them: they survive and keep growing. The infections they cause — resistant infections — can be hard, sometimes impossible, to treat, and can even be deadly. Examples include MRSA and drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB).

Resistance means the bacteria resist the drug — not your body.

A resistant infection may mean:

• a long hospital stay and a long recovery;
• more follow-up visits;
• expensive treatments that may have severe side effects.

Antibiotic resistance is one kind of antimicrobial resistance: viruses, fungi and parasites can become resistant to medicines too.

How it happens

Resistance is a natural process. Through genetic changes, bacteria develop defenses against antibiotics, and the resistant ones survive, grow and spread. Every time you take antibiotics, there's a chance bacteria will become resistant — so take them only when you really need them.

• They don't work on viruses such as colds and flu.
• Not every bacterial infection needs them — some sinus and ear infections, for example.

Who's at higher risk

Anyone can get a resistant infection, but the risk is higher for people who:

• have a weakened immune system — from HIV, for example, or immune-suppressing medicines;
• are getting medical care such as surgery or hospital stays;
• take antibiotics for a long time;
• are infants, especially if born prematurely;
• are older adults.

What you can do

Some resistance will always exist, but you can help slow it:

• Don't use antibiotics for viruses.
• Don't pressure your provider for an antibiotic they don't think you need.
• Follow the directions exactly when you take one.
• Don't share antibiotics, save them for later, or use someone else's prescription.
• Prevent infections: wash your hands often and cover coughs and sneezes.

Sources

Based on the MedlinePlus health topic "Antibiotic Resistance," National Library of Medicine, drawing on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; a work of the United States government in the public domain.