Transmitted resistance refers to resistance that spreads between bacteria. Which option best represents this concept?

• A. Spreads between bacteria
• B. Arises spontaneously without exposure
• C. Due to antibiotic overuse
• D. Due to poor vaccination

Answer: (A)

Transmitted resistance is about resistance traits moving from one bacterium to another, not just appearing in a single organism. The idea is that resistance spreads between bacteria, often through horizontal gene transfer via plasmids during conjugation, or through transformation and transduction. This distinguishes it from resistance that arises spontaneously within one bacterium due to a mutation, which doesn’t automatically spread unless it’s transferred. Factors like antibiotic overuse or poor vaccination influence the spread and selection of resistant strains, but they don’t describe the act of resistance genes passing between bacteria.