Prolonged administration of broad spectrum antibiotics results in the formation of:

  # Prolonged administration of broad spectrum antibiotics results in the formation of:

A. Black Hairy tongue

B. Median rhomboid glossitis

C. Geographic tongue

D. Fissured tongue

The correct answer is A. Black Hairy tongue.

Numerous initiating or predisposing factors for hairy tongue have been identified. Broad-spectrum antibiotics and systemic corticosteroids are often identified in the clinical history of patients with this condition. In addition, oxygenating mouth rinses containing hydrogen peroxide, sodium perborate, and carbamide peroxide have been cited as possible etiologic agents in this condition. Hairy tongue may also be seen in individuals who are heavy smokers, in those who have undergone radiotherapy to the head and neck region for malignant disease, and in patients who have undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The basic problem is believed to be related to an alteration in microbial flora, with attendant proliferation of fungi and chromogenic bacteria, along with papillary overgrowth.

Reference: Oral Pathology: Clinical Pathologic Correlations, Regezi, Sciubba, Jordan