What is the primary goal of infection control practices in microbiology?

• A. To increase antibiotic resistance in pathogens
• B. To eliminate all microorganisms from the environment
• C. To prevent the transmission of infectious agents
• D. To promote the growth of beneficial bacteria

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the context of infection control practices in microbiology, which are designed to manage and reduce the spread of infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
2. Recognize that increasing antibiotic resistance in pathogens is a negative outcome and not a goal of infection control; rather, infection control aims to minimize such problems.
3. Know that eliminating all microorganisms from the environment is impractical and unnecessary, as many microorganisms are harmless or beneficial.
4. Identify that promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria is important in some contexts but is not the primary goal of infection control practices.
5. Conclude that the primary goal of infection control practices is to prevent the transmission of infectious agents, thereby protecting individuals and communities from infections.