What does antibiotic resistance refer to?

Antibiotic resistance refers to the ability of bacteria to avoid the effects of an antibiotic. This phenomenon occurs when bacteria evolve and develop mechanisms to withstand the drugs that are intended to kill them or inhibit their growth. When bacteria are resistant, the antibiotics become less effective or ineffective in treating infections.

This is a significant public health concern because it can lead to longer hospital stays, higher medical costs, and increased mortality. Understanding antibiotic resistance is crucial for infection prevention and control in nursing homes, where vulnerable populations are at greater risk for infections. By recognizing how bacteria adapt to or fend off antibiotics, healthcare providers can implement more effective strategies for management, treatment, and prevention of antibiotic-resistant infections, thereby improving patient outcomes.

The other options do not accurately describe antibiotic resistance; they either overlook the complexity of bacteria's adaptive mechanisms or misinterpret the role of antibiotics in infection control.