Which statement best describes the effect of antibiotics on vaginal flora and candida balance?

Which statement best describes the effect of antibiotics on vaginal flora and candida balance?

• A. Increases growth of beneficial bacteria
• B. Increases vaginal acidity
• C. Reduces normal vaginal bacteria, allowing candida overgrowth
• D. Directly kills candida

Answer: (C)

The balance of vaginal flora rests on lactobacilli that keep the environment acidic and inhibit yeast growth. When antibiotics reduce these normal bacteria, the protective, acidic environment diminishes and Candida species can overgrow, leading to a yeast infection. Antibiotics target bacteria, not fungi, so they don’t directly kill candida. This is why the statement that best describes the effect is that antibiotics reduce normal vaginal bacteria, allowing candida overgrowth.

The balance of vaginal flora rests on lactobacilli that keep the environment acidic and inhibit yeast growth. When antibiotics reduce these normal bacteria, the protective, acidic environment diminishes and Candida species can overgrow, leading to a yeast infection. Antibiotics target bacteria, not fungi, so they don’t directly kill candida. This is why the statement that best describes the effect is that antibiotics reduce normal vaginal bacteria, allowing candida overgrowth.