Antibiotic Resistance Genes measure the detection of genes involved in antibiotic resistance. As a way of survival, microbes adapt to their changing environments by developing defense mechanisms. One of the defense mechanisms is the development of resistance to antibiotics that have bactericidal (bacteria cell killing) activity. Bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics by using instructions provided by their genetic DNA. These resistance genes carry genetic instructions from one microbe to another in a process that is known as horizontal gene transfer. Vibrant tests for antibiotic resistance genes to the six classes of antibiotic agents that are known to have the most acquired resistance.
For more information, see attached CDC resources:
- How Antibiotic Resistance Spreads
- How Antibiotic Resistance Moves Directly Germ-to-Germ
- How Bacteria and Fungi Fight Back Against Antibiotics
- Timeline for Select Germs Showing Antibiotic Resistance Over Time
