What is a common reason for the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria?

The development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is often closely linked to antibiotic misuse. This can occur through several avenues, such as using antibiotics to treat viral infections, not completing prescribed antibiotic courses, or using antibiotics without medical supervision. When antibiotics are misapplied or overused, they create an environment where bacteria that have or acquire resistance genes can survive and multiply, while sensitive strains are eliminated. This selective pressure accelerates the evolution of resistance.

On the other hand, proper use of antibiotics aims to target bacterial infections appropriately and can actually reduce the likelihood of resistance developing. Regular sanitization practices are aimed at controlling infection spread and do not contribute to antibiotic resistance. Natural selection is a concept that describes the process through which resistant bacteria survive while susceptible ones die off, but this process is primarily driven by how antibiotics are utilized and misused in bacterial management.