Bacteria are microorganisms capable of reproducing asexually. They are found everywhere… in the environment (soil, plants, water, and air) and in the microbiota of living organisms. Whilst the majority of bacteria are beneficial to living organisms, some can cause infections.
Antibiotics are medication which prevent bacteria from multiplying or even kill them. They are administered to humans and animals to treat bacterial infections which the body’s immune system is unable to combat on its own. They are completely ineffective against viruses.
Some bacteria are resistant to antibiotics: this is known as antibiotic resistance. These bacteria are resistant to certain antibiotics either naturally (chromosomal resistance), through mutations in their genome (due to exposure to antibiotics or biocides) or by acquiring resistance genes through contact with resistant bacteria (in the environment or within a microbiome). An infection involving antibiotic-resistant bacteria is more difficult, if not impossible, to treat.
Solutions exist to limit this phenomenon of antibiotic resistance: take steps to prevent infections and use antibiotics judiciously, and only when necessary.