Question

How do antibiotics and antibiotic resistance influence bacterial growth curve and how will you make sure that the antibiotics that you take do not lead to resistance?

Answer 1

Question

Bacteria growth curve can be divided into four phase:

I. Lag phase: minimum growth

II. Log phase or exponential phase: maximum growth

III. Stationary phase: no growth

IV. Death phase: death of bacterial cell

Figure: Bacteria growth curve

When bacteria are exposed to the antibiotics, the bacteria are more susceptible at the phase log because in this phase maximum growth of bacteria take place. But when the bacteria accquire antibiotic resistance , the antibiotics become ineffective to kill bacteria. Therefore, bacterial growth occur at maximum rate in log phase.

The action required not to get resisted to antibiotics are

I. Use of antiiotics only when required.

II. Do not take antibiotic in case of viral infection

III. Do not overuse antibiotics.

IV. Prevent contamination of food and water.

V. Maintain hygiene practices.