The ability of microorganisms, especially bacteria, to resist or to become tolerant to chemotherapeutic agents, antimicrobial agents, or antibiotics. This resistance may be acquired through gene mutation or foreign DNA in transmissible plasmids (R FACTORS).

Synonyms: Antimicrobial Drug Resistances, Drug Resistance, Microbial, Resistance, Antibiotic, Antibiotic Resistance, Antimicrobial Drug Resistance, Drug Resistances, Microbial, Antibiotic Resistance, Microbial