How Does Bacterial DNA Influence Antibiotic Resistance?
Bacterial DNA can harbor genes that encode proteins capable of neutralizing antibiotics, altering antibiotic targets, or pumping antibiotics out of the cell. These resistance genes can be located on the bacterial chromosome or on plasmids. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics in healthcare settings can select for bacteria carrying resistance genes, leading to the emergence of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). Nurses play a critical role in promoting antibiotic stewardship to minimize the development and spread of resistant bacteria.
