Acquired resistance directly develops in microorganisms due to:
(a) Natural immunity present from birth
(b) Genetic mutations and gene transfer
(c) Inability of bacteria to adapt to antibiotics
(d) Decreasing antibiotic pressure on microbes

Question

Acquired resistance directly develops in microorganisms due to:
(a) Natural immunity present from birth
(b) Genetic mutations and gene transfer
(c) Inability of bacteria to adapt to antibiotics
(d) Decreasing antibiotic pressure on microbes

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

Acquired resistance refers to a situation where microbes (bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites) develop resistance to antimicrobial drugs over time. This happens due to genetic changes, making previously effective treatments ineffective. Acquired resistance occurs when microbes develop resistance to antibiotics over time through genetic mutations or horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Acquired resistance is not related to innate immunity but develops due to external genetic changes. Microorganisms develop resistance through spontaneous genetic mutations or horizontal gene transfer via plasmids, transposons, or bacteriophages.Bacteria do adapt to antibiotics over time, leading to resistance; their inability to do so would result in their elimination. Resistance develops due to increased antibiotic exposure, not reduced pressure.

Microbiology

Antibiotic Resistance

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M Question 1	⏱ 0
Acquired resistance directly develops in microorganisms due to: (a) Natural immunity present from birth (b) Genetic mutations and gene transfer (c) Inability of bacteria to adapt to antibiotics (d) Decreasing antibiotic pressure on microbes