2.2.2 Introducing acquired resistance
As its name suggests,
Unlike intrinsic resistance, acquired resistance is only found in some populations of a bacterial type.
Acquired resistance is a very significant healthcare concern. Infections caused by bacteria that have acquired resistance to an antibiotic can no longer be treated with that antibiotic. Consequently, identifying the type of pathogenic bacteria causing an infection may not always be sufficient to determine which antibiotics will be effective treatments. That is why all isolates must be tested to determine which antibiotics are effective before definitive treatment can be prescribed.
Activity 6: Comparing intrinsic and acquired resistance
Look at the following statements in the table. Decide whether they are about intrinsic or acquired resistance or both and type your answer into the right-hand column.
Answer
The answers are as follows:
| Statement | Intrinsic resistance, acquired resistance or both? |
|---|---|
| Mechanism only present in a subpopulation of bacteria of a given type | Acquired resistance |
| Can be identified if the bacterial type is known | Intrinsic resistance |
| Normal for bacteria of that type | Intrinsic resistance |
| Limits treatment options | Both |
| Mechanism present in all bacteria of a given type | Intrinsic resistance |
| Occurs as a result of genetic mutation or horizontal gene transfer | Acquired resistance |
2.2.1 Intrinsic resistance
