Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 13, 2026

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
11:32

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria

Published on: February 23, 2014

[The pneumococcal connection]

Sergio Mella1, Gisela Riedel, Loreto Twele

  • 1Departamento de Medicina Interna, Universidad de Concepción, Chile. pignatio@vtr.net

Revista Chilena De Infectologia : Organo Oficial De La Sociedad Chilena De Infectologia
|March 2, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Third-generation cephalosporins, like ceftriaxone, are driving resistance in gram-negative bacilli. Their widespread use, especially for pneumococcal infections, alters gut flora, promoting resistant enterobacteria.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Context:

  • Gram-negative bacilli resistance is a critical medical challenge.
  • Third-generation cephalosporins, particularly ceftriaxone, are increasingly used for various infections.
  • The selection pressure exerted by these antibiotics on bacterial populations is not fully understood.

Purpose:

  • To investigate the role of third-generation cephalosporins, specifically ceftriaxone, in the emergence of gram-negative bacilli resistance.
  • To examine how the use of ceftriaxone in treating infections like pneumococcal disease contributes to resistance.
  • To understand the impact of ceftriaxone on the intestinal microbiome and the subsequent selection of resistant enterobacteria.

Summary:

  • Ceftriaxone's broad-spectrum activity and favorable pharmacokinetics have led to its widespread use, including for pneumococcal infections, despite initial indications for gram-negative infections.
  • This extensive use, particularly in the context of decreased penicillin susceptibility in Streptococcus pneumoniae, has inadvertently promoted the selection of gram-negative bacilli resistant to third-generation cephalosporins.
  • Genetic mutations in beta-lactamases (e.g., TEM-1, TEM-2, SHV-1) within enterobacteria, influenced by ceftriaxone's action on the intestinal flora, are key mechanisms of this acquired resistance.

Impact:

  • Highlights the unintended consequences of broad-spectrum antibiotic use on antimicrobial resistance.
  • Underscores the need to reconsider antibiotic prescribing practices, especially for ceftriaxone.
  • Emphasizes the importance of monitoring and understanding the impact of antibiotics on the microbiome to combat resistance development.

More Related Videos

A Mouse Model for the Transition of Streptococcus pneumoniae from Colonizer to Pathogen upon Viral Co-Infection Recapitulates Age-Exacerbated Illness12:21

A Mouse Model for the Transition of Streptococcus pneumoniae from Colonizer to Pathogen upon Viral Co-Infection Recapitulates Age-Exacerbated Illness

Published on: September 28, 2022

Characterization of Inflammatory Responses During Intranasal Colonization with Streptococcus pneumoniae09:12

Characterization of Inflammatory Responses During Intranasal Colonization with Streptococcus pneumoniae

Published on: January 17, 2014

Related Concept Videos

Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology01:29

Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of pneumonia involves the following steps:
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Atypical Pneumonia01:14

Atypical Pneumonia

Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease include...
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment01:30

Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment

Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention01:30

Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention

Nursing management of pneumonia involves promoting airway patency, facilitating rest and conserving energy, encouraging fluid intake, maintaining nutrition, and educating patients.
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed.