The Growing Global Threat Of Antibiotic Resistance Ielts Reading Answers Verified Jun 2026

Individuals can use antibiotics responsibly, get vaccinated, and practice good hygiene.

List of headings: i. Lack of new drug development ii. How bacteria become resistant iii. Historical success of antibiotics iv. The role of farming v. Predicted death toll

Pharmaceutical companies often prioritize profitable chronic drugs over researching new antibiotics. Key Themes to Focus On How bacteria become resistant iii

: Bacteria duplicate extraordinarily quickly, and any developed resistance is also duplicated as they divide.

The growing global threat of antibiotic resistance requires immediate attention and action. Understanding the causes, consequences, and solutions to this issue is crucial for developing effective strategies to combat resistance. By working together, we can mitigate the risks associated with antibiotic resistance and ensure that these life-saving medicines remain effective for future generations. and a significant economic burden.

The drivers of resistance are multifaceted. In healthcare settings, unnecessary prescriptions for viral illnesses—where antibiotics are ineffective—remain common. In agriculture, up to 80% of total antibiotic use in some countries is for growth promotion and disease prevention in healthy animals. These practices create ‘reservoirs’ of resistant bacteria that can spread to humans via food, water, and the environment.

The core of the problem lies in basic biology. As the IELTS reading passage explains, antibiotic resistance is actually an outcome of evolution. Whenever we use an antibiotic, it creates a "selective pressure." The drug kills off the weak bacteria, but any that have natural mutations allowing them to survive are left behind to multiply. These "renegade" bacteria can increase their numbers a million-fold in a single day, quickly becoming the dominant strain. In healthcare settings

The consequences are increased morbidity and mortality, and a significant economic burden.