A pathogen acquires an extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) gene via plasmid transfer in a hospital ward. Which immediate epidemiological patterns would you expect to observe, and why?

A sudden global extinction of that bacterial species caused by plasmid acquisition, because plasmids always impose lethal metabolic costs that result in immediate extinction of host bacteria.

An immediate drop in all infection rates across the hospital as the plasmid converts bacteria into harmless commensals, which eliminates the need for infection control measures.

A switch from bacterial to viral transmission dynamics within 24 hours because ESBL genes convert bacterial genomes into viral genomes and change host range instantly.

An increase in treatment failures for beta‑lactam antibiotics and potential clustering of resistant infections among patients with prior antibiotic exposure or indwelling devices, because plasmid-mediated ESBL confers enzymatic resistance that spreads clonally and horizontally.