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Generating Transposon Insertion Libraries in Gram-Negative Bacteria for High-Throughput Sequencing
Published on: July 7, 2020
[Broad-spectrum beta-lactamases in Gram-negative bacteria].
Arnfinn Sundsfjord1, Gunnar Skov Simonsen, Bjørg Haldorsen
1Avdeling for mikrobiologi og virologi Institutt for medisinsk biologi Det medisinske fakultet Universitetet i Tromsø 9037 Tromsø. arnfinn.sundsfjord@fagmed.uit.no
Beta-lactamase resistance is a growing global threat, particularly extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs), AmpC, and carbapenemases. These multidrug-resistant bacteria pose significant challenges, necessitating rapid diagnostics and infection control.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Context:
- Beta-lactams are crucial antibiotics, but resistance is increasing in Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
- Beta-lactamases are the primary mechanism of resistance against beta-lactams in Gram-negative bacteria.
- Global dissemination of broad-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs, AmpC, carbapenemases) is a significant concern.
Purpose:
- To review the current landscape of beta-lactamase resistance.
- To highlight the emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) in Norway.
- To emphasize the need for rapid diagnostics and infection control.
Summary:
- Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs), plasmid-mediated AmpC, and carbapenemases are globally disseminated.
- Multidrug-resistant clones of Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii harbor these resistance genes.
- Norway has seen an increase in ESBL-producing Escherichia coli and pan-resistant carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, and A. baumannii.
Impact:
- Few therapeutic alternatives exist for infections caused by these multidrug-resistant pathogens.
- The spread of these resistant clones, potentially linked to international travel, poses an epidemic threat.
- Rapid diagnostic services and targeted infection control are essential to curb the spread of resistant bacteria.
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