Chapter 6: Spreading Antibiotic Resistance?

This chapter focuses on the genetics that underpin antibiotic resistance. The swapping and transfer of antibiotic resistance among bacterial species will be explained. In addition, the emergence of new antibiotic resistant strains will be described with respect to the evolutionary pressure that is provided by mankind's reliance on antibiotics. This evolutionary pressure will be mapped on to Darwin's concept of “survival of the fittest”, where an antibiotic resistant bacterium can be the fittest in certain situations.