After completing a course of antibiotics that target peptidoglycan, a patient is still suffering from diarrhea.Which would not be a reasonable explanation?
A) The diarrhea is being caused by a eukaryotic microorganism.
B) The bacterium has formed a biofilm, shielding it from antibiotics.
C) The bacterium responsible is from the mycoplasma group of bacteria.
D) The bacterium has acquired antibiotic resistance through lateral gene transfer.
E) The patient is infected with several different Gram-positive bacteria that are not susceptible to this antibiotic.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The statement in option E is not a reasonable explanation because antibiotics targeting peptidoglycan are generally effective against Gram-positive bacteria, which have a thick peptidoglycan layer. If the patient is infected with Gram-positive bacteria, they should be susceptible to the antibiotic unless they have specific resistance mechanisms.

After Completing a Course of Antibiotics That Target Peptidoglycan, a Patient