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?
Answer
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.
OpenLearn - Understanding antibiotic resistance
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