A patient visits their GP with symptoms that are later confirmed to be caused by a fungal infection. Explain why the GP would not prescribe an antibiotic to treat this patient's infection.

OCR GCSE Biology A: Gateway Science (J247) — B6.3 Monitoring and maintaining health · Explain · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Fungal infections, such as athlete's foot, are increasingly common. Some patients expect to be given antibiotics whenever they feel unwell.

Model answer (4 marks)

Antibiotics only kill bacteria – they work against bacterial pathogens. The infection is caused by a fungus, which is a different type of pathogen. Therefore an antifungal medication should be used instead. Giving antibiotics unnecessarily contributes to antibiotic resistance.

Examiner tips

  • Use the exact phrase ‘antibiotics only kill bacteria’ to hit the first point.
  • Mention ‘fungus’ to show the pathogen type.
  • State ‘antifungal medication’ to cover the treatment point.
  • Link misuse of antibiotics to resistance to secure the last point.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing antibiotics with antifungals, or saying antibiotics can treat fungi.
  • Failing to mention antibiotic resistance as a consequence of inappropriate use.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. Antibiotics only kill bacteria / antibiotics work against bacterial pathogens
  2. The infection is caused by a fungus, which is a different type of pathogen to bacteria
  3. An antifungal medication / treatment should be used instead
  4. Giving antibiotics unnecessarily / inappropriately contributes to antibiotic resistance

Key terms in this question

antibiotic

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