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A doctor is researching new ways to treat biofilms on artificial joints. Which approach would best help prevent bacterial colonization of the medical implants?

a) Administering antibiotics after colonization
b) Modifying the surface to prevent bacterial adhesion
c) Increasing the temperature around the implant
d) Using larger doses of antibiotics

User YYC
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Final answer:

To prevent bacterial colonization of medical implants and effectively treat biofilms, modifying the surface of implants to prevent bacterial adhesion and inhibiting quorum sensing are more promising strategies than increasing antibiotic dosages, which can lead to resistance and patient harm.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question pertains to preventing bacterial colonization of medical implants and the best approaches to treat biofilms. It is recognized that biofilms are challenging to eradicate due to their resistant nature to most methods used to control microbial growth, including antibiotics. Hence, administering higher doses of antibiotics is not an advisable approach due to the potential harm to patients and the possibility of contributing to antibiotic resistance.

To effectively prevent bacterial colonization, modifying the surface of the medical implants to prevent bacterial adhesion is the most promising strategy stated. This method impedes the initial attachment of bacteria, thus disrupting the formation of biofilms. Additionally, alternatives such as inhibiting quorum sensing are being researched to target bacterial communication pathways, thereby preventing biofilm development.

In summary, addressing the adherence property of bacteria on implant surfaces and targeting communication pathways can be more effective than simply increasing antibiotic doses, which may pose further issues such as antibiotic resistance.

User Ullas Hunka
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