The Biological Mechanisms of Antimicrobial Resistance

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance occurs when microorganisms acquire or develop mechanisms that reduce their susceptibility to antimicrobial agents. In bacteria, resistance can result from mutations or acquisition of resistance genes and can involve drug inactivation, modification of antimicrobial targets, reduced permeability, active efflux, and other cellular adaptations. Horizontal gene transfer can accelerate the spread of resistance among bacterial populations.