How antibiotic resistance occurs and its implication to the human body

Identify a product or antibiotic that microbes have become resistant to (Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE)) . Describe the mechanism of antibiotic resistance.

Healthcare is one of the most important disciplines in society. Without proper healthcare, all other functions of society cease to exist. As a result, a large amount of capital has been dedicated to the prevention, mitigation, or eradication of diseases throughout society. The recent COVID-19 pandemic is an illustration of how improper healthcare and treatment can undermine society as a whole. Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci is no different in this regard, as it too can cause large scale complication if left unchecked.

Enterococci are bacteria to occur naturally within the human body, primarily within the intestine. Enterococci bacteria are also common elements within soil and water. In larger quantities enterococci can cause infection and healthcare complication for individuals. These infections are typically cured by antibiotics such as vancomycin. However, the bacteria have been known to resist vancomycin and other treatment options. As a result, new healthcare solutions have been developed to combat the bacteria.

As it relates to mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, this occurs when the bacteria no longer respond to the treatment methods designed to mitigate their influence. Due to repeated usage of a particularly treatment, bacteria begin to become immune to its effects. In addition although antibiotics can kill the bacteria, they also kill helpful germs designed to help protect the body from the bacteria. Eventually, the antibiotic-resistant germs ultimately survive and remain within the body. This ultimately allows the bacteria to continue to grow unabated, causing further complications to the individual. Here, an additional antibiotic will need to be developed to counter this resistance (Kakkar, 2017).