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Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Visualization of Bacterial Resistance using Fluorescent Antibiotic Probes
Published on: March 2, 2020
[Bacterial enteric pathogens' resistance to fluoroquinolones and last generation cephalosporines]
Maria Damian1, Codruţa-Romanita Usein, Andi Marian Palade
1Institutul Naţional de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Microbiologie şi Imunologie Cantacuzino, Bucureşti.
Abstract:
The increase of incidence of resistance to the antibiotics became the most worrisome subject within the clinical and research communities in the medical fields. Intrinsic resistance genetic mutations, horizontal transfer of mobile structures carrying genes coding for resistance to the antibiotics within the pan-microbial genome are representing the bacterial resistome which is bearing the genetic information regarding the defensive mechanisms developed by micro-organisms to protect themselves against antibiotics. Rice in the resistance of enteric bacteria, pathogens involved in a large number of human infections, to the cephalosporin of last generation and to the fluoroquinolones is a very actual subject in the medical area. Production of beta-lactamases with extended spectrum is the most important enzymatic defence system, developed by micro-organisms, consisting in the inactivation of beta-lactam antibiotics by destroying the beta-lactam ring. Enterobacteria are able to produce beta-lactamases of type TEM, SHV and/or CTX-M. Punctual mutations in nucleotide structure of bla genes, coding for beta-lactamases synthesis, are leading on production of a large diversity of enzymes with enlarged spectrum of activity (ESBL). At the beginning of 90's the first beta-lactamases resistance to clavulanic acid were detected and in our days more then 170 TEM, 120 SVH and 90 CTX-MESBLs are known. Escherichia coli strains are producing, firstly, TEM ESBLs, Klebsiella pneumoniae SHV ESBLs. and both are producing CTX-M type ESBLs, are resistant to the fluoroquinolones due to punctual mutations in nucleotide structure of gyr gene coding for gyrases production, enzymes involved in nucleic acids replication. Resistance to the antibiotics with extended activity is a public health threat due to their capacity of large spreading within bacterial population, when the coding structures are located on mobile genetic structures. The menace increase when genes coding for fluoroquinolones resistance (qnr) are identified on such of structures.
Insights
Antibiotic resistance in enteric bacteria is rising due to genetic mutations and mobile gene transfer. This study examines extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) and fluoroquinolone resistance, posing a significant public health threat.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health concern.
- The bacterial resistome encompasses genetic mechanisms of antibiotic defense.
- Rising resistance in enteric bacteria to advanced antibiotics like cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones is critical.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in enteric bacteria.
- To analyze the role of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) and fluoroquinolone resistance genes.
- To highlight the public health implications of antibiotic resistance spread.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of genetic mutations in bla genes responsible for beta-lactamase synthesis.
- Identification of punctual mutations in gyr genes conferring fluoroquinolone resistance.
- Review of known ESBL types (TEM, SHV, CTX-M) and their prevalence.
Main Results:
- Enteric bacteria produce diverse ESBLs (TEM, SHV, CTX-M) through genetic mutations.
- Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae strains exhibit resistance to cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones.
- Fluoroquinolone resistance genes (qnr) on mobile structures exacerbate the threat.
Conclusions:
- ESBL production and fluoroquinolone resistance in enteric bacteria are significant threats.
- Mobile genetic elements facilitate the rapid spread of antibiotic resistance genes.
- Urgent public health strategies are needed to combat escalating antibiotic resistance.
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