Antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections.
Antibiotics arenât as specific as antibodyA chemical produced by a lymphocyte in response to an antigen., meaning an antibiotic can be used to treat more than one type of bacterial infection.
Some bacteria are becoming resistant to antibiotics, making antibiotics ineffective.
The overuse of antibiotics is responsible for antibiotic resistance as it has allowed bacteria to mutate and become resistant.
Some bacteria are resistant to so many antibiotics that they are known as âsuperbugsâ (e.g. MRSA).
Why are âsuperbugsâ such a serious problem in hospitals?
- Patients have weak immune systems.
- Patients may have open wounds that allow the entry of microorganisms.
- The environment is antibiotic-rich â microorganisms come into contact with many different antibiotics promoting resistance.
Preventing the spread of superbugs in hospital
- Increased hygiene, i.e. wear gloves, clean up bodily fluids immediately.
- Greater care when administering antibiotics.
- Isolate âsuperbugâ patients from other patients.