After a few weeks of using a new antibiotic, you begin to experience stomach cramps and lethargy.Based on what you know about microbiomes, what would be a reasonable hypothesis to explain your discomfort?
A) The bacteria living in your gut have become aerobic and can no longer survive in your intestines.
B) The bacteria living in your gut have become pathogenic and are funneling nutrients from your cells.
C) You have developed an allergy to the new medication.
D) The bacterial species in your gut have formed a biofilm.
E) The composition of bacterial species normally present in your intestines has changed and compromised your body's ability to function normally.

Question

After a few weeks of using a new antibiotic, you begin to experience stomach cramps and lethargy.Based on what you know about microbiomes, what would be a reasonable hypothesis to explain your discomfort?
A) The bacteria living in your gut have become aerobic and can no longer survive in your intestines.
B) The bacteria living in your gut have become pathogenic and are funneling nutrients from your cells. 
C) You have developed an allergy to the new medication.
D) The bacterial species in your gut have formed a biofilm.
E) The composition of bacterial species normally present in your intestines has changed and compromised your body's ability to function normally.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Antibiotics can disrupt the balance of bacterial species in the gut, leading to dysbiosis. This can result in symptoms such as stomach cramps and lethargy. Therefore, it is reasonable to hypothesize that the discomfort is caused by a change in the composition of the bacterial species normally present in the intestines.

After a Few Weeks of Using a New Antibiotic, You