Q98 · UPSC Prelims 2019 · Set A · Science and Technology

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Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India?1.Genetic predisposition of some people2.Taking incorrect doses of antibiotics to cure diseases3.Using antibiotics in livestock farming4.Multiple chronic diseases in some peopleSelect the correct answer using the code given below

A 1 and 2
B 2 and 3 only
C 1, 3 and 4
D 2, 3 and 4

Correct answer: (b) 2 and 3 only

Explanation

  1. A

    1 and 2

    (a) 1 and 2. Genetic predisposition of patients is not a listed driver of microbial multi-drug resistance in this key. Incorrect antibiotic doses are a driver, but pairing them with genetics is not the key.

  2. B

    2 and 3 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only. Wrong doses and incomplete courses select resistant strains. Antibiotics in livestock farming add a large reservoir of resistance genes. Those two are the official key.

  3. C

    1, 3 and 4

    (c) 1, 3 and 4. Genetic predisposition and multiple chronic diseases in people are host facts, not the microbial-resistance reasons keyed here. Not the key.

  4. D

    2, 3 and 4

    (d) 2, 3 and 4. Multiple chronic diseases may increase antibiotic exposure, but statement 4 is not in the official pair. Not the key.

Summary. Official key is (b). Multi-drug resistance in pathogens is driven by misuse of antibiotics in humans (wrong dose, incomplete course) and by farm use that selects resistant bacteria. Host genetics and a count of chronic diseases are not the keyed reasons. Honour (b).

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