Overview
Antibiotic resistance is a public health problem that happens when bacteria develop ways to survive medicines designed to kill them. This does not mean a person's body becomes resistant; it means the bacteria change. Resistant infections can be harder to treat, may last longer, and can increase the chance of complications.
Causes and Risk Factors
Resistance grows when antibiotics are used too often or used in the wrong way, such as taking them when they are not needed or not following instructions. Poor infection prevention and limited access to clean water and sanitation can also help resistant germs spread. Risk may be higher in healthcare settings, after certain medical procedures, or in people with weakened immune systems.
Who Is Affected
Anyone can get an antibiotic-resistant infection. The problem affects people in every country and can occur in the community, hospitals, clinics, farms, and the environment. Infants, older adults, and people with chronic illness or weakened immune systems may face a higher risk of severe illness if they become infected.
Prevention
Use antibiotics only when prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional, and follow the instructions exactly. Do not pressure a clinician for antibiotics, and do not share leftover medicines or use antibiotics prescribed for someone else. Handwashing, vaccination, safer food handling, and infection control in healthcare settings also help reduce the spread of resistant bacteria.
Diagnosis and Tests
Healthcare professionals diagnose bacterial infections based on symptoms, examination, and sometimes tests such as cultures or other laboratory studies. These tests can help show which bacteria are causing the infection and whether certain antibiotics are likely to work. Not every illness needs antibiotics, and many infections are caused by viruses.
Treatment Categories
Treatment depends on the type of infection, where it is in the body, and which bacteria are involved. When resistance is suspected, clinicians may use test results to choose a more effective antibiotic or other supportive care. Some resistant infections may require hospital care, closer monitoring, or procedures to drain or remove a source of infection.
Living With It
If you have had a resistant infection, careful follow-up can help your healthcare team monitor recovery and reduce spread to others. It may help to keep a record of past infections, hospital stays, and any medicines you have taken. Good hygiene at home, including handwashing and cleaning frequently touched surfaces when advised, can also be important.
When to Seek Medical Care
Seek medical care if you have signs of infection that are getting worse, not improving, or returning after treatment. Examples can include fever, worsening pain, increasing redness or swelling, cough with breathing trouble, painful urination, or a wound that is draining pus. Also seek care if you think you are having side effects from an antibiotic or have questions about whether it is needed.
When It May Be an Emergency
Get urgent medical help for trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, blue lips, severe dehydration, seizures, or signs of sepsis such as a very fast heart rate, fever or very low temperature, and extreme weakness. Emergency care is also needed for a rapidly spreading skin infection, severe allergic reaction after taking a medicine, or if a baby, older adult, or immunocompromised person appears seriously unwell.