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Characterizing Multidrug Efflux Systems in Acinetobacter baumannii Using an Efflux-Deficient Bacterial Strain and a Single-Copy Gene Expression System
05:06

Characterizing Multidrug Efflux Systems in Acinetobacter baumannii Using an Efflux-Deficient Bacterial Strain and a Single-Copy Gene Expression System

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[Multi-drug resistant bacteria, a complex mechanism]

Jean-Christophe Hilaire1

  • 1Cadre de Santé infirmier Hygiéniste, Service de Prévention du risque infectieux, Centre hospitalier de Versailles, France. jchilaire@ch-versailles.fr

Revue De L'Infirmiere
|July 20, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Multidrug-resistant bacteria are a growing concern, showing resistance to many antibiotics. This issue emerged in hospitals shortly after the introduction of antibiotics, with Staphylococcus strains developing penicillin resistance in the 1960s.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Context:

  • The emergence of multidrug resistance (MDR) in bacteria poses a significant threat to public health.
  • Antibiotic resistance has been observed since the early days of antibiotic use, highlighting a long-standing challenge in medicine.

Purpose:

  • To define multidrug resistance in bacterial pathogens.
  • To provide historical context on the onset of antibiotic resistance.

Summary:

  • Bacteria are classified as multidrug-resistant when they exhibit sensitivity to only a limited range of available antibiotic treatments.
  • The phenomenon of antibiotic resistance was documented in clinical settings soon after the advent of antibiotic therapies.
  • A notable early instance includes the development of penicillin resistance in Staphylococcus strains during the 1960s.

Impact:

  • Understanding the historical trajectory of antibiotic resistance is crucial for developing effective future treatment strategies.
  • Highlights the persistent and evolving nature of bacterial resistance to antimicrobial agents.

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