Clinical Case Study – Antibiotic Overkill
1.
What happened to the young woman in this situation?
The young woman in the scenario was most likely prescribed a broad-spectrum antibiotic by her primary care physician in efforts to treat her urinary tract infection (UTI). The antibiotic use caused an overgrowth of Candida albicans, which is a yeast found in the vagina and often the oral cavity, commonly referred to as “thrush mouth”. Her excessive growth of candida can explain the excessive vaginal discharge she was experiencing, as well as the white coating on her tongue. This patient experienced microbial antagonism because of the competition between normal microbes and pathogens. 2.
How had her body’s defenses been violated?
The broad-spectrum antimicrobials targeted the pathogens which initially caused the urinary tract infection, and encouraged her secondary infection, the Candida Albicans. Her body’s defenses, which are her normal microbes that help balance the oral and vaginal pH, were violated due to the decline of microbial antagonism, which normally supports the body’s defense
by regulating pathogen abilities at colonizing on the skin and mucus membranes. 3.
How can she avoid a repeat of this situation?
In efforts to avoid a repeat of this situation, her primary care physician could lower her dosage of
the broad-spectrum antibiotic but allow her to take them for a longer period. Another option could be to prescribe her narrow spectrum antimicrobials. The young lady can be sure she practices proper hygiene techniques when toileting by hand washing before and after sessions, as well as wiping from front to back.
