Why is antibiotic resistance a greater concern compared to phage therapy?

Antibiotic resistance is a significant concern partly because bacteria can evolve rapidly to adapt to selective pressures, such as the presence of antibiotics. This means that when bacteria are exposed to antibiotics, those with genetic mutations that confer resistance can survive and reproduce, leading to a population of resistant bacteria. The ability of bacteria to mutate and exchange genetic material further accelerates this process, making infections increasingly difficult to treat over time.

In contrast, phage therapy, which utilizes bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria), offers a potential alternative to antibiotics. While it is true that phages can evolve as well—adapting to changes in bacterial defenses—this evolution can be more manageable than bacterial evolution. The specificity of phages enables targeted treatment that can be more effective against resistant bacteria.

The other options suggest limitations of phage therapy that do not capture the broader picture of antibiotic resistance. For example, while it is not accurate to claim that phages are ineffective, it should be noted that their effectiveness can depend on the specific strain of bacteria and the context in which they are used. The idea that bacteria cannot evolve is contrary to established scientific understanding since bacterial evolution is a well-documented phenomenon. Finally, while antibiotics have been incredibly effective historically, their