The CDC has enlisted your help in controlling the spread of a highly contagious, rapidly evolving, drug-resistant bacterium released during the desert excavation of an ancient civilization.What approach do you tell them to take?
A) Use alcohol or bleach to sterilize the affected areas
B) Try to irradiate the bacterium with UV light
C) Introduce a bacteriophage that is known to attack a closely related bacterial species
D) Develop a new class of antibiotics that the pathogen has not yet encountered
E) Introduce nonpathogenic bacteria to compete with the pathogen for resources

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Introducing a bacteriophage that is known to attack a closely related bacterial species would be the most effective approach as it specifically targets the pathogen without harming other beneficial bacteria. Additionally, bacteriophages can rapidly evolve to keep pace with the evolution of the pathogen, making it less likely to develop resistance. The other options, such as sterilization with alcohol or bleach, irradiation with UV light, developing new antibiotics, or introducing nonpathogenic bacteria may not be as effective or may have harmful side effects.

The CDC Has Enlisted Your Help in Controlling the Spread