The phenomenon where bacterial growth is inhibited but not killed by a bactericidal antibiotic is known as what?

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Prepare for the Clinical Laboratory Science Bacteriology Test. Engage with multiple choice questions and flashcards with helpful hints and explanations. Ace your exam confidently!

Multiple Choice

The phenomenon where bacterial growth is inhibited but not killed by a bactericidal antibiotic is known as what?

Explanation:
Tolerance describes a situation where bacteria survive exposure to a bactericidal antibiotic without being killed quickly, so growth is inhibited during exposure but the population isn’t eradicated. This often involves a subpopulation of dormant cells (persisters) with reduced metabolic activity that are less susceptible to killing. The MIC remains unchanged, and once the drug is removed, these cells can resume growth, potentially leading to relapse. This differs from resistance mechanisms, which change how the drug interacts with the organism and often raise the MIC. Thus, the described scenario fits tolerance.

Tolerance describes a situation where bacteria survive exposure to a bactericidal antibiotic without being killed quickly, so growth is inhibited during exposure but the population isn’t eradicated. This often involves a subpopulation of dormant cells (persisters) with reduced metabolic activity that are less susceptible to killing. The MIC remains unchanged, and once the drug is removed, these cells can resume growth, potentially leading to relapse. This differs from resistance mechanisms, which change how the drug interacts with the organism and often raise the MIC. Thus, the described scenario fits tolerance.

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