Antibiotic Resistance in Microorganisms – Current Status

Antibiotics are used to both prevent and treat bacterial infections. When bacteria adapt to the use of antibiotics, antibiotic resistance develops. Antibiotic resistance develops in bacteria, not in people or other animals. Both people and animals are susceptible to infection from these germs, and their illnesses are more difficult to treat than those caused by non-resistant bacteria. Antibiotic resistance causes greater mortality, longer hospital stays and higher medical expenses. The way antibiotics are prescribed and used worldwide has to alter immediately. Antibiotic resistance will continue to pose a serious hazard even if new medications are created. Additionally, behavioral changes must focus on improving food cleanliness, hand washing, practicing safer sex and being vaccinated in order to stop the spread of diseases. This chapter discusses the history, evolution and epidemiology of antibiotic resistance, antibiotic resistance mechanisms and their methods of detection, prevention of antibiotic-resistant organisms in healthcare settings and the role of artificial intelligence in prevention of antimicrobial resistance and drug discovery.