AEMCA Practice Exam

For which type of infections are antibiotics typically prescribed?

1. Viral infections

2. Fungal infections

3. Bacterial infections

4. Protozoan infections

The correct answer is: Bacterial infections

Antibiotics are specifically designed to target and eliminate bacteria. They work by interfering with the bacterial cell wall, protein synthesis, metabolism, or DNA replication, which are structures and functions unique to bacteria. This makes them highly effective against bacterial infections. Bacterial infections can range from mild cases, like strep throat, to more serious conditions, such as bacterial pneumonia or sepsis. It’s important to note that antibiotics do not work against viral infections, such as the common cold or influenza, as these pathogens have different structures and mechanisms that are unaffected by antibiotics. Similarly, fungal infections require antifungal medications for treatment, and protozoan infections often necessitate antiparasitic drugs. Each type of infection has specific treatments that are tailored to the characteristics of the pathogen involved, which is why antibiotics are reserved for bacterial infections.