# 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

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

## 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

- [antibiotic](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/antibiotic)

## Related

- [Revision notes for OCR GCSE Biology A: Gateway Science (J247)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-patient-visits-their-gp-with-42d905e5) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.