Understanding Bacterial Persistence under Antibiotic Pressure: A Review

Abstract

Antibiotic resistance is a significant global health concern, with multidrug-resistant bacteria emerging in hospitals and community settings. This highlights the presence of antibiotic-resistance genes beyond hospital environments. Bacterial adaptations in response to selective pressures drive the growth of antibiotic resistance. To survive these challenges, bacteria develop various defense mechanisms, including chemical modification of antibiotics, enzyme-catalyzed degradation, altered permeability, efflux, mutation of target sites, and biofilm formation. As a result, bacteria become resistant to most currently available antibiotics. This review provides insights into the molecular mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, which can improve strategies for combating resistance and developing new therapeutic approaches to counter multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.