High School

You are prescribed an antibiotic for a bacterial upper respiratory infection. Which of the following statements is most accurate?

A. No bacteria will die until completion of the prescription, regardless of antibiotic resistance.
B. The bacterial strains most resistant to the antibiotic will die first.
C. The bacterial strains least resistant to the antibiotic will die first.
D. All bacterial strains will die at the same rate, regardless of antibiotic resistance.

Answer :

Final answer:

The most accurate statement regarding antibiotic action is that the bacterial strains least resistant to the antibiotic will die first. Antibiotics target susceptible bacteria more effectively, leading to their early elimination. Understanding this principle helps in managing bacterial infections and preventing resistance.


Explanation:

Understanding Antibiotic Action

When you are prescribed an antibiotic for a bacterial upper respiratory infection, it's essential to understand how antibiotics work in relation to bacterial resistance. The most accurate statement is: The bacterial strains least resistant to the antibiotic will die first. This is primarily because antibiotics target specific mechanisms of bacterial cells, and bacteria that are more susceptible to the antibiotics are eliminated before those that can withstand the drug's effects.

Here's why that happens:

  1. Bacteria that have a high level of resistance possess adaptations that allow them to survive in the presence of the antibiotic. These may include altering their cell walls or producing enzymes that deactivate the drug.
  2. Conversely, the bacterial strains least resistant have less capacity to evade the effects of the antibiotic and are thus killed off earlier in the treatment process.
  3. Continuing the full course of antibiotics is crucial to ensure that even the less resistant bacteria are eradicated and to prevent the more resistant strains from thriving and dominating the infection.

This understanding highlights the importance of completing an antibiotic course, as failure to do so can contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.


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