What type of resistance occurs when a pathogen thrives after normal biota is eliminated by antibiotics?

The situation described is indicative of a superinfection. After the normal biota, which consists of beneficial microorganisms, is disrupted by antibiotics, it creates an opportunity for other pathogens to proliferate. This is because the antibiotics target and reduce the population of the normal flora, which can normally help prevent the overgrowth of harmful microbes.

In the absence of this protective microbial community, opportunistic pathogens that were previously kept in check can thrive and cause new infections, known as superinfections. These infections can be particularly problematic as they are often caused by antibiotic-resistant strains, leading to further complications in treatment. Understanding the dynamics of normal biota versus pathogens is crucial for grasping how superinfections can occur following antibiotic therapy.