A Narrative Review on Microbial Response to Antibiotic Stress: Mechanisms of Resistance and Adaptation

Microbial populations are constantly exposed to antibiotic pressures, which drive the evolution of diverse resistance mechanisms. This paper explores the complex responses of microbes to antibiotic stress, focusing on genetic and phenotypic adaptations. Key resistance mechanisms include Horizontal Gene Transfer (HGT), mutations leading to target site modification and the activation of efflux pumps. Additionally, the paper examines how microbial communities adapt to prolonged exposure through biofilm formation and altered metabolic pathways. Understanding these processes is crucial for developing strategies to combat antibiotic resistance and designing next-generation antimicrobial therapies.