Question

Broad-spectrum drugs target a wide variety of bacterial pathogens. Even when the broad-spectrum drug is capable of killing a target pathogen, it may not be the best treatment.

Which statement best explains why a broad spectrum drug might be an undesirable treatment choice?
Group of answer choices

Broad-spectrum antimicrobials only work if they are used shortly after the infection begins.

Broad-spectrum antimicrobials are usually toxic to the host cells.

Broad-spectrum antimicrobials may kill much of the normal microbiota.

Broad-spectrum antimicrobials may stimulate excess growth of the normal microbiota.

Broad-spectrum antimicrobials are not able to kill bacteria that are in their log phase of growth.

Answer 1

The correct option is C. Broad-spectrum antimicrobials may kill much of the normal microbiota.

Step-by-step explanation:

Broad-spectrum antimicrobials are drugs which kill a wide range of microbes. These drugs are often used when a disease-causing microbe cannot be identified. The drawback of using such kind of drugs is hat it may severely harm the normal microbiota causing illnesses like diarrhoea.

On the contrary, narrow-spectrum drugs are the drugs used against a specific strain of microbe. They are more effective to kill a single type of microbe.