What are bacteria called that are resistant to multiple antibiotics?

Bacteria that are resistant to multiple antibiotics are referred to as multidrug-resistant organisms. This designation is critical in the field of microbiology and infectious diseases because it highlights the challenge healthcare providers face in treating infections caused by these bacteria. Multidrug resistance occurs when bacteria acquire the ability to resist the effects of several antimicrobial agents, making standard treatment options ineffective and leading to more complicated clinical scenarios.

The implications of multidrug-resistant organisms are vast, as they can lead to prolonged illness, increased healthcare costs, and a higher risk of mortality. Understanding the mechanisms of resistance, such as genetic mutations and the acquisition of resistance genes through horizontal gene transfer, is essential in developing strategies to combat these organisms.

In contrast, normal flora refers to the non-pathogenic bacteria that usually inhabit the human body without causing disease, so they are not relevant in this context. Pathogens are microorganisms that can cause disease, but they do not necessarily have to be multidrug-resistant. Biofilm-forming bacteria are those that can adhere to surfaces and form communities, which can also contribute to antibiotic resistance, but they do not specifically refer to all bacteria that exhibit multiple antibiotic resistance.