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Efflux pumps in bacteria: overview, clinical relevance, and potential pharmaceutical target

L E Lawrence1, J F Barrett

  • 1Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Wallingford, CT 06492, USA.

Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs
|July 5, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Multi-drug efflux pumps in microbes are increasingly reported, becoming crucial in resistance. Understanding these pumps offers potential intervention strategies against microbial resistance.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Reports of microbial resistance highlight a rise in multi-drug efflux pumps in bacteria and fungi.
  • Efflux pumps are a significant factor in the emergence of microbial resistance.
  • These pumps are found across diverse microbial groups, including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, Streptomyces, and fungi.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the increasing prevalence and significance of multi-drug efflux pumps in microbial resistance.
  • To highlight the classification and importance of efflux pumps in various microorganisms.
  • To underscore the potential for therapeutic interventions based on efflux pump characterization.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of trends in microbial resistance reports.
  • Analysis of the role of efflux pumps in resistance mechanisms.
  • Examination of the classification and known characteristics of efflux pumps.

Main Results:

  • A notable increase in reported multi-drug efflux pumps in bacteria and fungi.
  • Efflux pumps are recognized as a key mechanism contributing to microbial resistance.
  • At least four distinct classes of efflux pumps exist in bacteria and fungi.

Conclusions:

  • Efflux pumps are a critical and increasingly recognized component of microbial resistance.
  • Further biochemical and structural characterization of efflux pumps is essential.
  • Understanding efflux pumps opens avenues for developing novel strategies to combat microbial drug resistance.

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