Skip to content
Skip to main content

About this free course

Download this course

Share this free course

Understanding antibiotic resistance
Understanding antibiotic resistance

Start this free course now. Just create an account and sign in. Enrol and complete the course for a free statement of participation or digital badge if available.

2.1 How infections are transmitted

Bacteria can be transmitted (passed from one individual to another) either directly between people, or indirectly through air, water, food or other objects in the environment. In addition, bacteria can be transmitted from animals to humans via infected meat or water contaminated with animal faeces.

  • How might transmission from animals to humans lead to antibiotic-resistant infections in humans?

  • As you saw in Week 5, healthy farm animals are sometimes fed antibiotics to prevent infections. This increases the chance of resistance to these antibiotics developing. Transmission from animals to humans will increase the risk of resistant bacteria being transmitted to humans.