Living Environment Regents Practice Test

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What is a key disadvantage of traditional antibiotic treatments?

They are always effective and have no side effects.
They can lead to bacteria developing resistance.
They cannot be administered to anyone with allergies.
They only target one type of bacteria.

The correct answer is: They can lead to bacteria developing resistance.

A key disadvantage of traditional antibiotic treatments is that they can lead to bacteria developing resistance. This occurs when bacteria mutate or acquire genes that enable them to survive despite the presence of antibiotics. Over time, the overuse or inappropriate use of these drugs can select for these resistant strains, making infections more difficult to treat. Resistance can result in longer hospital stays, higher medical costs, and increased mortality. The other options do not accurately reflect the challenges posed by antibiotics. While antibiotic treatments can have side effects, stating they are "always effective and have no side effects" is misleading. There are also circumstances where some individuals with allergies can still receive certain antibiotics with caution or alternative options. Additionally, while some antibiotics target specific types of bacteria, many are broad-spectrum, affecting a wider range of bacteria, not just one type. Therefore, the primary concern remains the development of antibiotic resistance.