Antibiotic Resistance

Invasive Bacteria Disease  |  Antibiotic Resistance  
Antibiotic Resistance Surveillance

What is antibiotic resistance?

Antibiotic resistance is the ability of bacteria to resist or overcome the effects of an antibiotic. The bacteria survive, despite treatment, and continue to multiply and cause illness. Infections caused by bacteria that are resistant to many drugs can be difficult or even impossible to cure. Antibiotic resistant organisms can cause illness which can lead to serious disability or even death. Over the last decade, many types of bacteria have become less responsive to antibiotic treatment

Antibiotic resistance has been an increasing problem worldwide, particularly in areas where antibiotics are misused or inappropriately prescribed. Bacteria can become resistant when they mutate or acquire the genes of other resistant bacteria. Antibiotics can enhance bacterial resistance by killing susceptible bacteria and leaving the resistant strains to spread and multiply.

A person with an infection that is resistant to antibiotics can then pass that resistant infection to another person.. These antibiotic-resistant bacteria can spread to family members, schoolmates, and co-workers. For this reason, antibiotic resistance is among the top concerns for scientists and health care practitioners, including the Center's for Disease Control and Prevention.

Antibiotic resistance can cause significant illness and suffering even for common infections that were once easily treatable with antibiotics.

The best ways to prevent antibiotic resistant infections are:

• Only use antibiotics when needed. Don't take an antibiotic for a cold, cough or influenza. These illnesses, along with most bronchitis and sore throats are viral and will not be cured by an antibiotic. Antibiotics only work against bacteria, not viruses.

• When prescribed, take the antibiotic exactly as directed. Do not skip a dose, and complete the entire course, even if you feel better. Not taking all of the prescribed antibiotics could result in bacteria that survive and go on to re-infect and possibly develop resistance.

• Parents should ensure that their children take the entire course of antibiotic, even after symptoms are gone.

• Do not save antibiotics for later use. They may not be as effective over time and different illnesses may need different antibiotics.

• Do not take someone else's antibiotics. The antibiotic may not work for your illness and may delay or interfere with the correct treatment, prolonging the illness.

• A patient or parent should not demand an antibiotic when a health care provider has determined it is not necessary.

WI Division of Public Health
Bureau of Communicable Diseases
608-261-4976 - Fax
Susanne Ahrabi-Fard Epidemiologist  608-261-6955 - Phone

Last Revised: July 12, 2010