Which of the following statements best describes the benefits of microbial antagonism to the human host?

• A. It prevents the overgrowth of pathogenic microorganisms by competing for nutrients and space.
• B. It increases the risk of infection by promoting the growth of harmful bacteria.
• C. It causes the immune system to ignore all microbial invaders.
• D. It eliminates all microorganisms from the human body, including beneficial ones.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of microbial antagonism, which refers to the ability of certain microbes to inhibit or prevent the growth of other potentially harmful microorganisms.
2. Recognize that microbial antagonism benefits the human host by maintaining a balanced microbial community, often called the normal flora or microbiota.
3. Identify that this balance is achieved because beneficial microbes compete with pathogens for essential resources such as nutrients and physical space, limiting pathogen colonization.
4. Note that microbial antagonism does not eliminate all microorganisms; instead, it selectively suppresses harmful ones while allowing beneficial microbes to thrive.
5. Conclude that the best description of microbial antagonism's benefit is its role in preventing the overgrowth of pathogenic microorganisms by competing for nutrients and space.