Is It Possible to Prevent Bacteria from Becoming Resistant to Antibiotics

Question

Is it possible to prevent bacteria from becoming resistant to antibiotics?
A) Yes: If we give antibiotics properly, resistance will go away and not evolve again.
B) No: Bacteria need to become resistant to anything that will kill them.
C) No: However, by using antibiotics properly, we can slow the rate at which resistance appears.
D) Yes: If we stop using antibiotics, the trait will disappear.

Accepted Answer

It is not possible to completely prevent bacteria from becoming resistant to antibiotics, but we can slow down the rate at which it happens by using antibiotics properly. This includes correctly diagnosing infections, using the correct antibiotic, and completing the full course of treatment as prescribed. It is also important to limit the use of antibiotics in agriculture and to develop new antibiotics and alternative treatments.