Which of the following statements is correct?

• A. Many bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics.
• B. Antibiotics cure all infections.
• C. Antibiotics are effective against viruses.
• D. Antibiotics are used to treat poison ingestion.

Answer: (A)

Antibiotics are designed to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria. Because of this, many bacterial infections respond to these drugs, which is why that statement is correct. However, antibiotics do not cure viral infections—viruses don’t have the bacterial targets that antibiotics act on—so illnesses like colds or the flu aren’t helped by antibiotics. They also aren’t used to treat poison ingestion, since poisoning is not caused by bacteria and is managed through decontamination, supportive care, and antidotes when appropriate. Understanding this helps clarify when antibiotics are appropriate and when they’re not.