Why do Bacteria Develop Antibiotic Resistance so Easily?

As we continue to use antibiotics, many bacteria develop resistance to them. Since these germs reproduce in hours, much of this is driven by evolutionary pressure. But how do these genes form in the first place?

Researchers discovered that nearly 3000 different antibiotic-resistance genes representing all major resistance mechanisms were detected in bacteria from grassland and agricultural soil, which have never infected humans or animals or have been exposed to antibiotics.

Although most of these genes were inactive, they seem to be present in many different organisms. The researchers do not know why this occurs, but, since most antibiotics have developed from natural sources such as fungus (e.g. penicillin) it makes sense that the germs have evolved these mechanisms.

Next time your doctor tells you that he or she prefers not to give you antibiotics for a minor infection, you can understand that we are trying to prevent evolution of

super-bugs.