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Testing the Role of Multicopy Plasmids in the Evolution of Antibiotic Resistance
09:00

Testing the Role of Multicopy Plasmids in the Evolution of Antibiotic Resistance

Published on: May 2, 2018

[Emergence of plasmid mediated AmpC β-lactamasas: Origin, importance, detection and therapeutical options]

Cristina Seral1, María José Gude, F Javier Castillo

  • 1Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, Avda San Juan Bosco 15, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain.

Revista Espanola De Quimioterapia : Publicacion Oficial De La Sociedad Espanola De Quimioterapia
|June 19, 2012
PubMed

Insights

AmpC beta-lactamases confer resistance to many antibiotics, complicating treatment. Plasmid-mediated AmpC (pAmpC) enzymes, like blaCMY-2, are spreading globally, necessitating surveillance and new therapeutic strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Context:

  • AmpC beta-lactamases hydrolyze a broad spectrum of beta-lactam antibiotics, including penicillins and cephalosporins.
  • The spread of plasmid-mediated AmpC (pAmpC) genes, particularly blaCMY-2, is a growing global health concern.
  • pAmpC-producing bacteria often exhibit multidrug resistance, limiting effective treatment options.

Purpose:

  • To review the characteristics and prevalence of AmpC beta-lactamases, focusing on plasmid-mediated forms.
  • To discuss methods for detecting pAmpC enzymes and evaluate antibiotic treatment strategies.
  • To highlight the importance of surveillance for emerging resistance mechanisms.

Summary:

  • AmpC beta-lactamases hydrolyze key antibiotic classes, with plasmid-mediated variants (pAmpC) spreading globally.
  • blaCMY-2 is the most common pAmpC enzyme worldwide, often conferring multidrug resistance.
  • Detection methods and treatment efficacy of various antibiotics against pAmpC-producing bacteria are examined.

Impact:

  • Understanding pAmpC prevalence and resistance patterns is crucial for guiding clinical treatment decisions.
  • Surveillance studies are essential for monitoring the evolution of AmpC-mediated resistance.
  • Further evaluation of in vitro susceptibility and clinical efficacy of alternative therapeutics is required.

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