High School

Why do antibiotics quickly lose their effectiveness in the treatment of bacterial infections?

A. Bacteria grow rapidly to large numbers and so they are unaffected by antibiotics.
B. Bacteria are able to transport antibiotics across their cell walls.
C. Some bacterial strains have natural resistance to antibiotics, and using antibiotics selects for these strains.
D. Bacteria have a high rate of mutation and quickly develop resistance to antibiotics.
E. Bacteria can eat the antibiotics, which makes them grow bigger and stronger.

Answer :

Antibiotics quickly lose their effectiveness in the treatment of bacterial infections because some bacterial strains have natural resistance to antibiotics, and using antibiotics selects for these resistant strains. Additionally, bacteria have a high rate of mutation and can quickly develop resistance to antibiotics.

Some bacterial strains have natural resistance to antibiotics: Certain bacteria have evolved mechanisms to resist the effects of antibiotics. These mechanisms can include the production of enzymes that break down the antibiotic or alterations in the bacterial cell wall or target sites that make it difficult for the antibiotic to work effectively.
Using antibiotics selects for resistant strains: When antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, they kill off susceptible bacteria but may leave behind a small number of bacteria that have natural resistance. These resistant bacteria can then multiply and spread, leading to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains.
Bacteria have a high rate of mutation: Bacteria reproduce at a rapid rate and can accumulate genetic mutations. These mutations can sometimes result in resistance to antibiotics. When exposed to antibiotics, bacteria with these mutations that provide resistance have a survival advantage and are more likely to reproduce, leading to the development of antibiotic-resistant strains.

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