Antibiotics are often viewed negatively due to the rise of antibiotic resistance. When antibiotics are overused or misused, bacteria can develop resistance, making future infections harder to treat. This phenomenon is known as antibiotic resistance and is a significant public health concern.
Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria evolve mechanisms to withstand the effects of antibiotics that would normally kill them or inhibit their growth. This can happen through genetic mutations or the acquisition of resistance genes from other bacteria via horizontal gene transfer.
The result is a decrease in the effectiveness of antibiotics, which can lead to longer illness, higher medical costs, and increased mortality. Therefore, while antibiotics are essential tools in fighting bacterial infections, they must be used judiciously and under the guidance of healthcare professionals.
