| Date | November 2015 | Marks available | 3 | Reference code | 15N.3.SL.TZ0.16 |
| Level | Standard level | Paper | Paper 3 | Time zone | TZ0 |
| Command term | Discuss | Question number | 16 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Data on microbial resistance to the fluoroquinolone family of antibiotics was collected in US hospitals. The graph shows the relationship between Pseudomonas aeruginosa, other Gram-negative bacteria and the use of fluoroquinolone from 1993 to 2000.
State the percentage of P. aeruginosa that were resistant to fluoroquinolone in 1996.
Compare the trends in fluoroquinolone use and resistance to fluoroquinolone in other Gram-negative bacteria between 1993 and 2000.
Predict the results if data from the same hospitals were collected for P. aeruginosa resistance in 2001.
Discuss the implications of the data in the graph for the health of patients.
Markscheme
23 (%)
Accept answer in the range of 22(%) to 24 (%).
a. positive correlation / other Gram-negative bacteria resistance increases as fluoroquinolone use increases;
b. other Gram-negative bacteria continues to increase / slight decrease of fluoroquinolone use (in 1997);
c. from 1998, other Gram-negative bacteria resistance continues to rise even though fluoroquinolone use starts to level off/decreases;
P. aeruginosa resistance would increase (slightly)/level off
a. there is rising incidence of antibiotic/fluoroquinolone-resistant P. aeruginosa/ other Gram-negative bacteria;
b. use of antibiotics/fluoroquinolone is increasing/becoming less effective;
c. careful use of antibiotics/fluoroquinolone is recommended;
d. other antibiotics (that do not promote resistance) need to be developed;
e. continued monitoring of the situation is needed;
f. less chance of treating the disease / more severe symptoms / more people with the disease;
Examiners report
Most got all marks.
Most got all marks.
Most got all marks.
Discriminated well with most candidates scoring at least 1 mark and the better candidates scoring all 3.
