Which Situation Has Contributed to Widespread Antibiotic Resistance

Question

Which situation has contributed to widespread antibiotic resistance?
A) doctors underprescribing antibiotics that would eradicate cold-causing bacteria
B) patients finishing their antibiotic prescription even though they feel better
C) farmers using an abundance of antibiotics to treat feedlot animals
D) chefs cooking meat thoroughly in restaurants

Accepted Answer

Overuse and misuse of antibiotics in agriculture, particularly in intensive animal farming, have contributed significantly to antibiotic resistance. This practice leads to the creation of superbugs, which can pass from animals to humans through the food chain or water and cause infections that are resistant to antibiotics. Meanwhile, options A and B relate to underuse and incomplete use of antibiotics by medical professionals and patients, respectively. While these practices can also contribute to antibiotic resistance, they are not as significant as the use of antibiotics in agriculture. Choice D, cooking meat thoroughly, has no direct impact on antibiotic resistance.