What can excessive use of antibiotics potentially lead to?

Excessive use of antibiotics can potentially lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This occurs because when antibiotics are used too frequently or inappropriately, they can kill off susceptible bacteria, leaving behind those that have mutations conferring resistance. These resistant strains can multiply and spread, making infections harder to treat as common antibiotics become less effective. The rise of antibiotic resistance is a significant public health concern because it limits treatment options for bacterial infections and can lead to longer hospital stays, higher medical costs, and increased mortality.

In contrast, the other options do not reflect the consequences of excessive antibiotic use. Improved immune response would typically be related to vaccines or immune system enhancement rather than antibiotic use. Increased efficacy of existing antibiotics is unlikely since resistance diminishes their effectiveness. Lastly, a decreased need for other medications is not a direct outcome of antibiotic misuse; instead, it could lead to complications or the need for alternative treatments for resistant infections.