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Antimicrobial resistance to linezolid
Venkata G Meka1, Howard S Gold
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Summary
Acquired resistance to linezolid, an important antibiotic, is linked to genetic changes in 23S ribosomal RNA genes. Monitoring this resistance in gram-positive cocci is crucial for effective treatment.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Linezolid is a critical antibiotic for treating infections caused by multidrug-resistant gram-positive cocci.
- Acquired resistance to linezolid has been observed in laboratory and clinical settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms and implications of acquired linezolid resistance in gram-positive bacteria.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory selection of resistant strains.
- Analysis of clinical isolates.
- Identification of genetic mutations in 23S ribosomal RNA genes.
Main Results:
- Resistance is typically associated with single-nucleotide changes in 23S ribosomal RNA genes.
- Mutations can occur in varying numbers of gene copies.
- Linezolid remains effective against many resistant strains, but resistance is emerging.
Conclusions:
- The emergence of linezolid resistance necessitates vigilant susceptibility testing.
- Clinical use of linezolid should consider the potential for resistance development.