4.1.1 Communicable Disease and Prevention – Antibiotics

Question 1

Who discovered the first antibiotic in 1928?

Answer 1

Alexander Fleming.

Question 2

Which type of pathogen do antibiotics destroy?

Answer 2

Bacteria.

Question 3

Describe how bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics.

Answer 3

• There is genetic variation within a population of bacteria.
• Some bacteria have resistance to an antibiotic due to a mutation.
• When exposed to the antibiotic, the most resistant survive.
• Surviving bacteria reproduce and produce a larger population of resistant bacteria.
• Over many generations, there is an increase in the proportion of resistant bacteria.
• The antibiotic then becomes ineffective.

Question 4

By what process does antibiotic resistance arise?

Answer 4

• Through natural selection.

Question 5

How can antibiotic resistance be reduced?

Answer 5

• Not over prescribing antibiotics.
• Only giving antibiotics for bacterial infections.
• Finishing the whole course of antibiotics.

Question 6

How can hospital and medical staff prevent a resistant strain of bacteria from spreading?

Answer 6

• Isolation of patients.
• Disinfecting hands / wearing disposable gloves.
• Cleaning equipment / bedding / clothing.
• Regular cleaning of surfaces on wards.

Question 7

Name two examples of antibiotic resistant bacteria

Answer 7

• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
• Clostridium difficile.