THE EVOLUTION OF DRUG RESISTANCE IN VIRUSES AND BACTERIA Essay

THE EVOLUTION OF DRUG RESISTANCE IN VIRUSES AND BACTERIA - Essay Example The resultant nature of upcoming bacteria and viruses leads to drug tolerance. In most cases, pathogens acquire newer forms and abilities of resistance through evolution. In a broad sense, the pathogens acquire a stronger resistance against drugs and thus, repel any upcoming drugs, making them ineffective. The development of drug resistance specifically stems from drugs that aim at eradicating specific viral and bacterial proteins. Since such drugs are mainly specific to given viruses and bacteria, any mutation in such pathogens interferes with its destructive nature, which results in drug resistance. As the drugs become more developed, the viruses and bacteria mutate to acquire protective qualities that are commensurate to the strength of the developed drugs. With this in mind, the innate capacity of bacteria and viruses to evolve to such an extent of outpacing upcoming drugs suggests that stakeholders in the medical field should work towards achieving long-term and viable anti-microbial therapies that will evolve with the pathogens’ ability to adapt t o the situation. A succinct analysis of Bryskier (2005), reveals that antibiotics are composed of natural secretions by fungi and bacteria that aim at engulfing and killing other bacteria that are pose competition over limited nutrients. The drugs used in treating diseases in the contemporary originate from such secretions. Professionals in the medical field remain alarmed by the discovery that some viruses and bacteria have developed resistance to drugs, and further evolved through mutations or DNA alterations. Based on information outlined by Fisher and Mobashery (2010), rresidential areas and health facilities act as proper breeding grounds for drug resistant qualities of bacteria and viruses. Such bacteria flourish in an environment dominated by people with ailments and whose immune systems are