What Are the Implications of Antibiotic Resistance in Microbial Ecology and Toxicology?
Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern in microbial ecology and toxicology. The widespread use of antibiotics can select for resistant microbial strains, which can then transfer resistance genes to other microorganisms in the environment. This phenomenon not only affects the efficacy of antibiotics in treating infections but also has implications for microbial communities' ability to degrade toxic substances. Resistant microbes may outcompete more efficient degraders, potentially reducing the overall efficacy of bioremediation efforts.
