What is one significant factor contributing to drug resistance in bacteria?

The overuse of antibiotics is a significant factor contributing to drug resistance in bacteria. When antibiotics are used excessively or inappropriately—whether through prescribing practices, patient non-compliance, or use in agriculture—it creates selective pressure on bacterial populations. This pressure allows bacteria that have, or acquire, resistance mechanisms to survive and multiply, while susceptible strains are eliminated.

As a result, the resistant strains can proliferate, leading to infections that are more difficult to treat. This scenario is compounded when patients do not complete their prescribed antibiotic courses, which can also contribute to the development of resistance. This phenomenon highlights the critical importance of using antibiotics judiciously to preserve their effectiveness and ensure that they remain viable treatment options for bacterial infections.