What is a common side effect of long-term antibiotic therapy that might lead to a sore tongue?

• A. Bacterial infection
• B. Candida infection
• C. Allergic reaction
• D. Autoimmune response

Answer: (B)

Long-term antibiotic therapy is known to disrupt the normal balance of microorganisms in the body, particularly in the mouth. This disruption can lead to the overgrowth of certain fungi, the most notable being Candida species. When these fungi proliferate, they can cause an infection known as oral candidiasis or thrush, which is characterized by symptoms such as a sore or painful tongue, white patches in the mouth, and difficulty swallowing. This association between prolonged antibiotic use and the development of a Candida infection is well-documented, making it the correct answer for identifying a common side effect that may lead to a sore tongue.

In contrast, bacterial infections, allergic reactions, and autoimmune responses, while they can also affect the oral cavity, are not the typical consequences of antibiotic use in the same way. Bacterial infections may sometimes occur, but they do not specifically relate to antibiotic-induced changes in the oral flora that would result in a sore tongue due to fungal overgrowth. Allergic reactions can present with various symptoms but are not specifically tied to prolonged antibiotic therapy in terms of causing a sore tongue. Autoimmune responses can lead to oral issues, but they are not a direct effect of antibiotic use and do not typically manifest in the same way as candidiasis. Thus, the