What is a potential consequence of antibiotic misuse?

The potential consequence of antibiotic misuse is primarily linked to the development of antibiotic resistance, which poses a significant public health challenge. When antibiotics are used inappropriately, such as to treat viral infections or when they are not taken as prescribed, bacteria can adapt in response to the selective pressure exerted by the antibiotics. Over time, this can lead to the emergence of resistant strains that are more difficult to treat, which contributes to a broader increase in bacterial infection rates, as standard treatments become less effective.

Additionally, while antibiotic misuse can impact immune response indirectly by disrupting normal microbiota, the main consequence recognized in clinical microbiology is the development of antibiotic resistance. Misuse can compromise the effectiveness of existing antibiotics, thereby making infections harder to manage and leading to potential increases in complications from these infections.

Given that antibiotic resistance is a driving force behind the other potential outcomes (such as increased infection rates), the correct choice encompasses all these consequences, thereby justifying the selection of the comprehensive option that includes each of these potential results.