title: Antimicrobial resistance: a complex issue.
abstract: The discovery of antibiotics represented a turning point in human history. However, by the late 1950s infections that were difficult to treat, involving resistant bacteria, were being reported. Nowadays, multiresistant strains have become a major concern for public and animal health. Antimicrobial resistance is a complex issue, linked to the ability of bacteria to adapt quickly to their environment. Antibiotics, and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and determinants, existed before the discovery and use of antibiotics by humans. Resistance to antimicrobial agents is a tool that allows bacteria to survive in the environment, and to develop. Resistance genes can be transferred between bacteria by horizontal transfer involving three mechanisms: conjugation, transduction and transformation. Resistant bacteria can emerge in any location when the appropriate conditions develop. Antibiotics represent a powerful selector for antimicrobial resistance in bacteria. Reducing the use of antimicrobial drugs is one way to control antimicrobial resistance; however, a full set of measures needs to be implemented to achieve this aim.
authors: La Haute Marche, B.P. 90203, 35302 Fougères, France.
authors: J F
authors: JF
authors: Acar
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Moulin
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000235:genetics; D024881:Drug Resistance, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D054892:Metagenome; D011815:R Factors / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents