[2026] PTE Academic Reading - Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers

Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria change in response to the use of medicines, making once-effective treatments ineffective against common infections.While this phenomenon happens naturally through genetic mutation, human activities have accelerated the process to a critical level.A primary driver is the over-prescription of antibiotics for viral infections, such as the flu, against which they have no therapeutic effect.In addition to human medicine, the agricultural sector contributes significantly to the problem by using sub-therapeutic doses of antibiotics in livestock to promote growth.This practice creates a reservoir of resistant bacteria that can be transmitted to humans through the food chain or environmental contact.The consequences of resistance are severe, leading to longer hospital stays, higher medical costs, and increased mortality.Modern medical procedures, such as organ transplants and chemotherapy, rely heavily on effective antibiotics to manage the risk of infection.Without urgent action, we risk entering a 'post-antibiotic era' where minor injuries and routine surgeries could once again become life-threatening.Tackling this global health threat requires a 'One Health' approach, involving coordinated efforts across human, animal, and environmental health sectors.Key strategies include improving global surveillance, investing in the development of new classes of drugs, and enhancing public awareness.