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Do antibiotics usually only affect one bacterial species?
1) True
2) False

User Havakok
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

Antibiotics can affect both specific bacterial species and a wide range of taxonomic groups. Some antibiotics are narrow spectrum, targeting only specific bacteria, while others are broad spectrum, targeting a wider range of bacteria. The preferred approach in medicine is to start with a narrow spectrum antibiotic to minimize damage to the body's microbiota and reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.

Step-by-step explanation:

Antibiotics can affect both specific bacterial species as well as a wide range of taxonomic groups. Some antibiotics, like isoniazid, are only effective against a narrow spectrum of bacteria, such as mycobacteria. These are known as narrow spectrum antibiotics. On the other hand, broad spectrum antibiotics are effective against a wide range of bacteria. The preferred approach in medicine is to start with a narrow spectrum antibiotic to minimize damage to the body's microbiota and decrease the risk of antibiotic resistance.

User Raphael Schaad
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