Get Virtual Care
For Businesses
About Us
A member asked:
What causes antibiotic resistant bacteria?
8 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Incomplete killing: Mutations in bacteria that lead to resistance can occur when bacteria are exposed to antibiotics in doses that are not strong enough to kill them. The bacteria then can mutate and develop resistance. A favorite professor of mine would always say "dead bacteria can't develop resistance.".
Answered 9/29/2016
6.1k views
Antibiotics: Bacteria have a great ability to genetically adapt to their environment. After an exposure to a specific antibiotic, a bacterium can modify its genetic makeup to create particular barrier(s). Overuse of antibiotics, inadequate dosing and incomplete dosing can all contribute to the emergence of resistance.
Answered 8/12/2015
5.4k views
Related Questions
A member asked:
Why are bacteria more antibiotic resistant these days?
7 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A member asked:
When bacteria becomes antibiotic resistant, does the bacteria become resistant for life? Or does it die, eventually?
4 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A member asked:
Does antibiotic resistant happen because of people not completing their dosage? Or, is the antibiotic not strong enough, and therefore the bacteria becomes resistant?
3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A member asked:
How could antibiotic-resistant tuberculosis bacteria evolved?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
Will my specific bacteria (guess) be resistant to an antibiotic if i took for 3 days, stopped it . Then restarted 1 month later.What is the likelihood?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
People also searched for:
How do I know if cough of 1.5 months is bacterial or viral? Caused from sinus infection, post nasal drip frm a cold.If bacterial, which antibiotic to take? Don't want to become resistant to antibiotic
Will my specific bacteria (MOST LIKELY)(please just GUESS) be resistant to a antibiotic if i stopped it ONCE after a few days. Then restarted 1m later?
What is the best antibiotic to kill resistant bacteria and stop them from mutating?
Offered friend antibiotic ointment for cut, but they refused and said it can sometimes cause more bacteria. Is this true or myth?
I took the same type of antibiotic twice in the past year after getting stitches on two separate occasions If needed by a doctor, can I take the same type of antibiotic or a different type or is that dangerous for making bacteria resistant?
Didn't find what you're looking for?
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.
Ask your questionMore of what we treat
Download HealthTap
Video visit and message your doctor
