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RE: Introducing a new contest - Science Discussion Contest - April 22
Antibiotic Resistance is a natural phenomenon. When an antibiotic is used, bacteria that can resist that antibiotic have a greater chance of survival than those that are "susceptible." Susceptible bacteria are killed or inhibited by an antibiotic, resulting in a selective pressure for the survival of resistant strains of bacteria. Some bacteria are naturally resistant to certain types of antibiotics. However, bacteria may also become resistant in two ways:
1) by a genetic mutation
2) by acquiring resistance from another bacterium.
I would say that the fundamental theory that best explains antibiotic resistance is "survival of the fittest." Antibodies change the ecosystem for bacteria. The bacteria that resists antibodies is now the fittest.