Which factor can contribute to antibiotic resistance?

Excessive use of antibiotics is a significant factor that can contribute to antibiotic resistance. When antibiotics are over-prescribed or misused, bacteria are exposed to these drugs more frequently than necessary. This high level of exposure creates selective pressure on bacterial populations, allowing any resistant strains present to survive and multiply. As these resistant bacteria proliferate, they can become the dominant form within a population, making infections harder to treat and leading to a cycle of increasing resistance.

This resistance poses a public health challenge, as it limits the effectiveness of standard antibiotic treatments and can lead to longer hospital stays, higher medical costs, and increased mortality. Consequently, responsible prescribing practices and appropriate antibiotic use are critical in managing and preventing the rise of antibiotic-resistant infections.