Question

Which of the following is not a characteristic of a good antibiotic?
A. No side effect for the host
B. Destroys microflora of alimentary canal of host
C. Broad spectrum antibiotics
D. Immediate reaction

Answer 1

Hint: Antibiotics are substances that inhibit the growth and replication of microorganisms or kill them outright. It is used to treat bacterial, protozoal and fungal infections in humans. The first antibiotic penicillin was discovered by Alexander Fleming and he is credited for the development of antibiotics. In recent times, overuse of antibiotics has led some bacteria to develop resistance against them.

Complete answer:
Option B Destroys microflora of alimentary canal of host: A good antibiotic should not produce any detrimental effects on the host. The natural microflora of the host should be not disrupted as it may lead to many other health problems.
Therefore Option B is the correct answer.

Option A No side effect for the host: A good antibiotic when administered to an individual should produce little to no side effects. The action of antibiotics should be specific towards the infected microorganism. This is one of the characteristics of a good antibiotic.
Option A is incorrect.
Option C Broad spectrum antibiotics: An antibiotic must be broad spectrum in nature which means it is able to inhibit the growth and reproduction of a vast variety of infectious organisms.
Option C is incorrect.
Option D Immediate reaction: A good antibiotic must provide immediate relief to the host. It should also stop the further spreading of infection.
Option D is incorrect.

Correct answer: B. Destroys microflora of alimentary canal of host.

Note:
If antibiotics ever go out of stock in future, modern medicine would be set back by decades. Minor surgeries, such as hernia surgery could become life threatening. Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed to patients before surgery to make sure that they do not contract any infections from microorganisms entering open cuts. The risk of blood poisoning would be very much higher without this precaution.