User:CFCF/Antibiotic resistance

Antibiotic resistance is when bacteria are or become resistant to antibiotics. The term commonly refers to acquired resistance or when bacteria become resistant to an antibiotic that was previously effective against it. Antibiotics have a wide range of uses and resistance risks decreasing their utility. The most important use is in medical treatment of various infections caused by bacteria. Increased resistance leads to a higher number of deaths in infections as well as increased health-care costs. Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem worldwide. It is a subtype of antimicrobial resistance which also includes

Antibiotics are naturally not effective against a vast array of diseases, for example against the type of virus that causes the common cold. Misuse of antibiotics where they are either unnecessary or simply useless increases resistance. This together with the fact that antibiotic use is associated with inherent risks makes prudent use of antibiotics important. They should only be used when indicated and when prescribed by a medical professional. It is also important for medical professionals to be informed of resistance patterns and best uses of antibiotics when making prescriptions.