This infographic is a circular diagram with pictures linked together by arrows to show how antibiotic resistance can spread between people, animals and the environment.
Antibiotics are given to animals. Antibiotic resistance may develop.
Resistant bacteria spread to humans and other animals through poorly prepared food, close proximity and poor hygiene.
Resistant bacteria spread to the environment and food through water contaminated by faeces or through wildlife. Research into how antibiotic resistance is spread in Australia is ongoing and new information is continuing to emerge. What is happening in other countries may not be applicable to Australia.
Antibiotics are given to a person in hospital or the community. Antibiotic resistance may develop. Resistant bacteria spread to other people through poor hygiene and close proximity.
Resistant bacteria spread to humans and other animals through the environment (water, soil, air).
Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria change to protect themselves from an antibiotic. The more we use antibiotics, the more chance bacteria have to become resistant to them.