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Glucocorticoids and antibiotics, how do they get together?
1Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
EMBO Molecular Medicine
|June 17, 2015
Summary
Corticosteroid and antibiotic treatments may worsen respiratory infections. This combination can increase antibiotic tolerance and persistence of Haemophilus influenzae in chronic respiratory diseases like asthma and COPD.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Corticosteroids are frequently used to manage chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, COPD, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
- Antibiotic therapy is common during infectious exacerbations in these patients.
- Haemophilus influenzae is a significant pathogen in respiratory tract infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction between corticosteroid and antibiotic treatments in the context of chronic respiratory diseases.
- To examine the impact of this combined therapy on Haemophilus influenzae colonization and antibiotic tolerance.
Main Methods:
- The study by Earl et al. (2015) explored the relationship between steroid and antibiotic treatments.
- Focus was placed on Haemophilus influenzae, a key respiratory pathogen.
- The research assessed effects on bacterial colonization persistence and antibiotic tolerance.
Main Results:
- A potentially detrimental interaction was identified between corticosteroid and antibiotic treatments.
- This combination was found to affect the persistence of Haemophilus influenzae colonization.
- Increased antibiotic tolerance of Haemophilus influenzae was observed under these treatment conditions.
Conclusions:
- Combined corticosteroid and antibiotic therapy may have adverse effects in patients with chronic respiratory diseases.
- The findings highlight a concerning relationship impacting bacterial persistence and antibiotic resistance.
- Further research is warranted to optimize treatment strategies for respiratory infections in patients on corticosteroids.
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