# Explain why the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is considered a serious public health concern.

> WJEC GCSE Biology (Wales) — 2.8 Disease, defence and treatment · Explain · 4 marks

> Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria change so that antibiotics no longer kill them. The number of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria is increasing worldwide.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Resistant bacteria survive treatment with antibiotics
2. Resistant bacteria reproduce and pass on resistance, so resistant strains spread
3. Bacterial infections caused by resistant strains become more difficult / impossible to treat
4. This could lead to increased deaths / serious illness because there are no effective treatments

## Key terms

- [antibiotic](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/antibiotic)
- [bacteria](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/bacteria)
- [public health](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/public-health)

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC GCSE Biology (Wales)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-the-development-of-antibiotic-resistant-62f00d45) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.