Evolutionary theory predicted that bacterial resistance toantibiotics would evolve. Given time and sufficient heritablevariability, living organisms including bacteria) will evolve whena selective pressure (like an antibiotic) is introduced. Butevolutionary theory also gives doctors and patients some specificstrategies for delaying even more widespread evolution ofantibiotic resistance. Some of these strategies are givenbelow:
A. Don't use antibiotics to treat viral infections.
B. Avoid mild doses of antibiotics over long time periods.
C. When treating a bacterial infection with antibiotics, takeall your pills.
D. Use a combination of drugs to treat a bacterial infection. E.Reduce or eliminate the "preventive" use of antibiotics onlivestock and crops.
For each strategy, give a justification based on your knowledgeof bacteria and evolution, why this strategy would reduce thetransmission of antibiotic resistance.
Evolutionary theory predicted that bacterial resistance toantibiotics would evolve. Given time and sufficient heritablevariability, living organisms including bacteria) will evolve whena selective pressure (like an antibiotic) is introduced. Butevolutionary theory also gives doctors and patients some specificstrategies for delaying even more widespread evolution ofantibiotic resistance. Some of these strategies are givenbelow:
A. Don't use antibiotics to treat viral infections.
B. Avoid mild doses of antibiotics over long time periods.
C. When treating a bacterial infection with antibiotics, takeall your pills.
D. Use a combination of drugs to treat a bacterial infection. E.Reduce or eliminate the "preventive" use of antibiotics onlivestock and crops.
For each strategy, give a justification based on your knowledgeof bacteria and evolution, why this strategy would reduce thetransmission of antibiotic resistance.
