Question

Iatrogenic infections are caused by an invasive diagnostic or therapeutic procedure. Patients who underwent a bronchoscopy and are treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics are at a greater risk of developing this type of infection. The use of broad-spectrum antibiotics for the treatment of infection may cause a suprainfection. An exogenous infection is caused by organisms that are found outside of an individual. Endogenous infections occur when a patient receives broad-spectrum antibiotics that alter the normal flora.

a. true
b. false

Answer 1

The given statement is true; broad-spectrum antibiotics can lead to iatrogenic superinfections by disrupting normal microbial flora, causing diseases like candidiasis or C. difficile colitis, as well as increased risk of nosocomial infections.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement is true. Iatrogenic infections are indeed caused by medical procedures, and the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics can lead to superinfections by disrupting the normal flora and allowing resistant pathogens to flourish. An example is a patient undergoing a bronchoscopy treated with antibiotics who might develop such a complication.

Superinfections are a significant risk when using broad-spectrum antibiotics, as they not only target harmful bacteria but also beneficial microbes that constitute the normal microbiota. This can create opportunities for resistant organisms to cause a secondary infection. For instance, the overuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics has been linked to the emergence of conditions like candidiasis and Clostridium difficile-associated pseudomembranous colitis.

Moreover, infections can be exogenous, from external sources, or endogenous, when internal flora is disrupted. Nosocomial infections are those contracted in hospital settings, often involving resistant or more aggressive pathogens, and are exacerbated by patients' weakened immune systems and the selective pressure of antibiotic use.