Antibiotic resistance in pneumococcal infections

Antibiotic resistance in pneumococcal infections occurs when the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae, which can cause illnesses like pneumonia and meningitis, become resistant to the antibiotics used to treat them. This happens when bacteria mutate or acquire resistance genes, often due to overuse or misuse of antibiotics. As a result, standard treatments may become ineffective, leading to more severe illness and complications. Managing antibiotic resistance involves careful prescribing, patient adherence to treatment, and the development of new medications, alongside preventative measures like vaccination to reduce the incidence of infections.