Question:

Anaerobes are intrinsically resistant to which class of antibiotics?

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Which antibiotic needs oxygen-dependent uptake that anaerobes cannot provide?
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
  • Beta lactam antibiotics
  • Aminoglycosides
  • Azithromycin
  • Metronidazole
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Recall how aminoglycosides enter bacteria. Their uptake across the membrane requires oxygen-dependent active transport.

Step 2: Apply to anaerobes. Anaerobic bacteria lack the oxidative metabolism needed to drive this uptake, so the drug cannot get in and they are intrinsically resistant.

Step 3: Define intrinsic resistance. It is the innate, inherent structural or functional ability of an organism to tolerate a drug class, reducing susceptibility from the outset.

Step 4: Exclude distractors. Metronidazole is in fact the drug of choice against anaerobes, and beta lactams and azithromycin have variable but not uniform intrinsic resistance. So option B is correct.
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