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Antibiotic resistance
In I/GCSE Biology,
- Exactly every new bacterium is the same as the last one (it reproduces from)
- Sometimes B mutate and are produced differently from the others
- Mutation may result in B being resistant to the AB
- When AB is used, non-resistant B are killed, but some resistant B remain
- Resistant B survive and reproduce
- Continued use of AB increases number of resistant bacteria
- Should always complete a course of AB, even if you start to feel better
- Otherwise there is more chance of resistant bacteria developing
Superbugs
- MRSA is resistant to most AB which treat infections
- Patients with MRSA have existing illness
Preventing more superbugs
In I/GCSE Biology,
- Important to not overuse AB
- AB not to treat non-serious infections e.g. sore throat
- AB prescribed only for serious disease
- Increased use of AB may result in them not working when you need them too
Changing Virus
In I/GCSE Biology,
- Flu/influenza lasts normally between 1-2 weeks
- Flu virus = produces new strands and people can’t be immune to it
- Flu epidemic = outbreak of flu affecting thousands in a country
- Pandemic Flu = flu spreading rapidly around many countries e.g. swine flu
- Antiviral drug
You got it!
