Antibiotic resistance: Facts, causes, consequences and prevention
Medically reviewed by Dr. Betsy Koickel, MD on September 10th, 2025.
Antibiotics are medications that help prevent and treat infections caused by bacteria in humans. But sometimes bacteria can evolve to become resistant to their effects. You might be wondering, “Why would antibiotic resistance be dangerous?”
Antibiotic resistance can cause severe consequences, making certain common illnesses impossible to treat.
What is antibiotic resistance?
Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria stop responding to antibiotic medications. Other microbes, such as viruses, fungi and parasites, can also become resistant to medications used to treat these types of infections.
When a microbe becomes resistant, this means that if you take a medication to treat the infection, the medication does not work. Resistance to these important medications increases the risk of the spread of disease, severe illness and death.
How antibiotic resistance happens
As noted, antibiotic resistance happens naturally over time due to genetic changes in pathogens. These microbiomes learn to circumvent antibiotics as a means of survival.
However, antibiotic resistance is exacerbated by the overuse of antibiotics in humans, animals and plants. Antibiotics may be overprescribed when they are not truly needed or not used properly, giving microbes the opportunity to develop resistance to the medications.
Facts about antibiotic resistance
Here are 5 antibiotic resistance facts:
- Resistance to antibiotics is one of the most urgent global threats; it kills at least 1.27 million people annually.
- Infants, older adults, those who are immunocompromised or those who have to take antibiotics long-term are most at risk for complications from antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
- Antibiotic-resistant infections may require multiple treatments and longer hospital stays.
- Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are often referred to as “superbugs” because they are so challenging to treat.
- In some cases, antibiotic-resistant infections may have no treatment.
Preventing antibiotic resistance: What you can do
The first way to avoid antibiotic resistance is to practice good hygiene and other habits to help you stay healthy. Proper handwashing, safe food handling and staying up to date on recommended vaccines can help.
If you do get sick, one of the best ways to prevent antibiotic resistance is to use antibiotics only when prescribed by a healthcare professional and take them exactly as directed. It’s important not to skip doses, stop early or save leftover antibiotics for later use. Reserve the use of antibiotics for infections that are proven to be bacterial. Overuse of antibiotics for viral infections is one of the most common ways we misuse antibiotics, which leads to resistance in the individual and the community.
By reducing unnecessary antibiotic use and preventing the spread of infection, this can slow the spread of resistant bacteria.
The role of healthcare providers in combating resistance
Healthcare providers play a crucial role in combating antibiotic resistance by ensuring that antibiotics are prescribed only when absolutely necessary. It is also important that they choose the right drug, dose and duration for each infection.
They should also educate patients on the proper use of antibiotics, emphasizing the importance of completing the full course and explaining when antibiotics are necessary and when they are not. Through careful prescribing and patient education, healthcare professionals serve as the frontline defense against resistance.
Global efforts to address antibiotic resistance
There is a global effort to combat antibiotic resistance since it impacts everyone across the world. The effort is a coordinated action among governments, health organizations and the World Health Organization (WHO).
The goal is to promote a global plan for responsible antibiotic use, improved surveillance systems and investments in new treatments. Additionally, there are many ongoing campaigns to improve public awareness, regulate agricultural antibiotic use and fund related research to fight against resistance.
FAQs
What is antibiotic resistance?
Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria change in ways that make antibiotics less effective or render them ineffective against them.
How does antibiotic resistance develop?
Antibiotic resistance develops when antibiotics are overused or misused, allowing bacteria to adapt and survive future treatments.
What are the consequences of antibiotic resistance?
The consequences of antibiotic resistance include longer-lasting infections, higher medical costs and increased risk of severe illness or death. Simple illnesses, such as urinary tract infections, can become extremely challenging to treat.
How can I prevent antibiotic resistance?
You can prevent antibiotic resistance by only using antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare provider, taking them as directed and practicing good hygiene to avoid infections.
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