Antimicrobial Resistance and Natural Selection
Antimicrobial Resistance and Natural Selection:The use of antimicrobial drugs began during the World War II era. After more than 50 years ofwidespread use, many antimicrobial drugs have become ineffective. Health authorities believe thatantimicrobial resistance is the greatest health threat of the 21 st century. What caused microbes tobecome resistant to previously effective drugs? Below is a list of four major reasons why this hashappened. Using your knowledge of natural selection, explain how each statement contributed to drugresistance. Use the internet to do some research. 20 points.A. Rapid mutation and reproduction rates of microbes.B. Widespread use and misuse of antibiotics by prescribing physicians.C. Extensive use of antibiotics in agriculture, food production and as animal food additives.D. Patient compliance to prescribed treatment regimes (do they follow directions?).
