There are fewer antifungal, antiprotozoan, and antihelminth drugs compared to antibacterial drugs because these organisms
do not cause many human infections.
have fewer target sites compared to bacteria.
are so similar to human cells that selective drug toxicity is difficult to achieve.
are parasites found inside human cells.
are not affected by antimicrobics.
The Correct Answer is C
A. do not cause many human infections: While some fungi, protozoa, and helminths cause fewer infections compared to bacteria, the main limitation in drug development is not the frequency of infections. Even common infections like candidiasis or malaria require treatment, so infection prevalence alone does not explain the scarcity of effective drugs.
B. have fewer target sites compared to bacteria: These organisms do possess cellular structures that could be targeted, such as cell membranes, enzymes, or nucleic acids. The issue is not the number of potential targets but the similarity of those targets to human cells, which complicates drug design.
C. are so similar to human cells that selective drug toxicity is difficult to achieve: Fungi, protozoa, and helminths are eukaryotic, like human cells, meaning their cellular structures and metabolic pathways closely resemble those of the host. This similarity makes it challenging to develop drugs that are toxic to the pathogen but safe for human cells, limiting the number of available therapeutic options.
D. are parasites found inside human cells: While intracellular parasites pose delivery challenges for drugs, this is not the primary reason for the overall scarcity of antifungal, antiprotozoan, and antihelminth medications. Drug development is limited mainly by eukaryotic similarity rather than intracellular location alone.
E. are not affected by antimicrobics: This is incorrect because antifungal, antiprotozoan, and antihelminth drugs do exist and can be effective. The challenge is creating agents that selectively target these organisms without harming human cells, not an inherent resistance to all antimicrobial agents.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
In gram-negative bacteria, the cell envelope is a complex structure composed of three main layers: an inner (cytoplasmic) membrane, a periplasmic space, and an outer membrane. The inner membrane is a phospholipid bilayer that regulates transport and energy production. The periplasmic space lies between the inner and outer membranes and contains a thin layer of peptidoglycan along with enzymes involved in nutrient processing and defense. The outer membrane contains lipopolysaccharides (LPS), porins, and other proteins that provide structural support, act as a barrier to certain antibiotics, and contribute to the organism’s pathogenicity.
100 Multiple Choice 0.5 points
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. semisynthetic drugs: Semisynthetic drugs are chemically modified natural antibiotics. They may have improved stability, spectrum, or pharmacokinetics compared to their natural counterparts, but the term does not define the range of microbial types they affect.
B. narrow-spectrum drugs: Narrow-spectrum drugs are effective against a limited group of microorganisms, such as only Gram-positive bacteria or a specific genus. They are preferred when the causative agent is known to reduce disruption of normal microbiota and minimize resistance development.
C. broad-spectrum drugs: Broad-spectrum drugs are effective against a wide variety of microorganisms, including both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and sometimes other microbial types. They are useful for empirical therapy when the causative agent is unknown but carry a higher risk of promoting resistance and disrupting normal flora.
D. antibiotics: Antibiotics are substances produced by microorganisms that inhibit or kill other microbes. This term describes the source or mechanism rather than the range of effectiveness; some antibiotics can be narrow- or broad-spectrum.
E. synthetic drugs: Synthetic drugs are entirely chemically synthesized rather than derived from natural sources. Like semisynthetic drugs, the term indicates origin, not the spectrum of activity.
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