Antibiotic Resistance Protects Pathogens

Antibiotic resistance is the capability of a particular pathogen population to grow in the presence of a given antibiotic when the antibiotic is used according to a specific regimen. Such a long, detailed definition is important for several reasons. First, pathogens differ in their susceptibility to antibiotics; thus, pathogen species are considered individually. Second, resistance to one antibiotic may not affect susceptibility to another. This means that the antibiotics must also be considered separately. Third, dose is determined as a compromise between effectiveness and toxicity; dose can be changed to be more or less effective and more or less dangerous. Consequently, the definition of resistance must consider the treatment regimen.