Evolution and Antibiotic Resistance

Evolution and Antibiotic Resistance

Kelvin Felton

Biology 1

Biology 1020

South university

Professor Sarker

Evolution and Antibiotic Resistance

Infections and their causative agents are still a highly researched and concerning entity in healthcare today. With the numerous therapeutic advancements, there is still a significant concern with the emergence of resistant and multidrug resistant infections.

The emergence of vaccines and highly effective medications such as penicillin and the mycin group have assisted decreasing morbidity and mortality rates. However, microbes are becoming more resistant by evolving. More organisms are becoming resistant to penicillin. Common causes of resistance include misuse of antibiotic, combinations of organisms, a more efficient mode of transmission or transference of the resistance organism, or creation of newly resistant microbes (Kadar, 2005).

Some infections such as antibiotic-resistant strain of M. tuberculosis, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium difficile are causing wide spread problems. Many are nosocomial infections or occurring in the hospital. Other examples of prevalent antibiotic resistant organisms are streptococcus and enterococcus (VRE) which are resistant to penicillin, Pseudomonas aeruginosa multidrug resistant, E. coli and Salmonella resistant to fluoroquinolones

Misuse causes resistance due to the fact that certain antibiotics such as broad spectrum are used before a causative agent is identified. Misuse also occurs when antibiotics are actually overused. The organisms develop a tolerance while making genetic changes to the chromosomes. Misuse also is when antibiotics are inappropriately used to treat an infection.

Antibiotic resistance may also be attributed to natural occurrence. This is when nonpathogenic bacteria transfers genes to infection causing bacteria and resistance is developed. This is known as resistome. These organisms are constantly changing their genetic makeup therefore increasing their resistance to antibiotics. Mutations are occurring more frequently and randomly. The genes are receiving enzymes encoded on different parts of the peptide chain. This has led to modifications in DNA and proteins. (Davies and Davies, 2010).

Therapeutic effects have been compromised due to tolerance and resistance. Compliance is a problem that contributes to resistance. Many antibiotics are prescribed at the same time. This increase in use of antibiotic leads to ineffective treatment and immunosuppression in some cases. In many instances, the antibiotic regimen is not completed. The decreased amount of medication in