How can bacteria become resistant to antibiotics and how can doctors reduce the number of bacteria that become resistant?

-A mutation in a pathogen may produce a new strain. This new strain may become resistant to an antibiotic through natural selection. The new strain may spread rapidly as the individual is not immune to it and the antibiotic does not kill the bacteria. An example of a resistant strain is MRSA

-Doctors can reduce the number of bacteria that become resistant by encouraging patients to complete the whole course of antibiotics, not prescribing antibiotics for viral infections and only prescribing antibiotics for more serious bacterial infections. 

HC
Answered by Helen C. Biology tutor

15743 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How is thermoregulation achieved


What are the functions of white blood cells?


Explain how shivering helps to raise a persons body temperature.


Explain how red blood cells are adapted to carry oxygen.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning