Drug resistance refers to the ability of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites, to withstand the effects of certain medications. This can occur when the microorganisms adapt and evolve in response to the drugs being used to treat them, rendering the medications less effective or completely ineffective. Drug resistance poses a significant challenge in the fields of medicine and public health, as it can result in prolonged or more severe illnesses, increased healthcare costs, and the need for alternative treatments. Researchers study drug resistance in order to understand how it develops, identify ways to prevent its spread, and develop new strategies to combat it.