The Growing Global Threat Of Antibiotic Resistance Ielts Reading Answers Verified — _top_

Found in the second paragraph: "...they utilize horizontal gene transfer , a process where bacteria share resistance genes directly..." 7. Strongest bacteria

The passage above is accompanied by a set of 13 questions, typical of an IELTS Academic Reading test. Below are the complete , followed by detailed answer explanations.

Explanation: In Paragraph F, Barbara Murray discusses appropriate prescribing and notes that many patients demand antibiotics for viral infections. She suggests physicians should explain that antibiotics don't work for viruses, and that over-prescribing heightens resistance. This implies that reducing unnecessary use extends antibiotic effectiveness. Found in the second paragraph: "

Answer: 10 million.

Found in the final paragraph: "...governments must offer economic incentives , grants, and streamlined approval pathways..." Answer: 10 million

If you see a question about the primary cause of resistance, the verified answer key almost always points to overuse and misuse in human medicine and agriculture , not a lack of hygiene or poor hospital cleaning.

C. The misuse of antibiotics is widespread. In many parts of the world, these drugs are available over the counter without a prescription, leading to self-medication and inappropriate usage. Furthermore, antibiotics are heavily used in agriculture to prevent disease in livestock and promote growth. This agricultural use accounts for a significant portion of global antibiotic consumption, creating a reservoir of resistant bacteria that can be transmitted to humans through the food chain. including last-line therapies

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a dramatic surge in dangerous drug-resistant bacteria called NDM-producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (NDM-CRE), with infections increasing by more than 460% between 2019 and 2023. These bacteria are resistant to nearly all available antibiotics, including last-line therapies, leaving few treatment options.

Educational campaigns about antibiotic resistance are only targeted at healthcare professionals.

Explanation: Paragraph D details the mechanisms by which bacteria resist antibiotics: altering cell walls, producing enzymes, mutating DNA, taking up DNA from other bacteria, and acquiring plasmids. This makes it the clear match for this heading.