EVOLUTION AND ADAPTATION: HOW BACTERIA BECOME RESISTANT TO ANTIBIOTICS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63330/aurumpub.036-044Keywords:
Antibiotics, Bacterial Adaptation, Bacterial Resistance, Microbial EvolutionAbstract
This chapter aims to analyze the evolutionary and adaptive mechanisms that enable bacteria to develop resistance to antibiotics, as well as their impacts on public health. This is a narrative literature review based on classical and contemporary studies in microbiology and evolutionary biology, highlighting contributions from authors such as Stuart B. Levy, Julian Davies, and Christophe Fraser. The results show that bacterial resistance arises from processes such as spontaneous mutations and horizontal gene transfer, intensified by the inappropriate use of antimicrobials in clinical, veterinary, and environmental contexts. In addition, factors such as self-medication, early interruption of treatments, and the indiscriminate use of antibiotics in agriculture significantly contribute to the selection of resistant strains. It is concluded that addressing this phenomenon requires integrated strategies, including effective public policies, epidemiological surveillance, health education, and investment in research for the development of new drugs.
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