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[The phenomenon of bacterial persistence to antibiotics]

Eva Smělíková1, Oto Melter, Jan Tkadlec

  • 1Department of Medical Microbiology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic,

Klinicka Mikrobiologie a Infekcni Lekarstvi
|February 13, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Bacterial persistence, a state where bacteria resist antibiotics without prior exposure, is a critical but unevaluated factor in treating infections. Understanding and reducing this antibiotic resistance is vital for effective treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Bacterial persistence is a phenomenon where a subpopulation of bacteria exhibits resistance to antibiotics without prior exposure.
  • This trait is not routinely tested in clinical settings, and its impact on treating bacterial infections remains largely unevaluated.
  • Persistence may be a global phenomenon contributing to antibiotic resistance challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the clinical significance of bacterial persistence in antibiotic treatment of infections.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the origin of bacterial persistence.
  • To explore potential strategies for reducing the prevalence of persistent bacterial cells.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing research on bacterial persistence.
  • Analysis of the role of persistence in the context of clinical microbiology and antibiotic treatment.
  • Identification and description of proposed mechanisms of persistence development.
  • Discussion of potential methods to mitigate antibiotic-resistant bacterial populations.

Main Results:

  • Bacterial persistence is a significant, likely global, phenomenon impacting antibiotic treatment efficacy.
  • Several mechanisms contribute to the development of bacterial persistence.
  • Strategies to reduce the frequency of persistent cells are being investigated.

Conclusions:

  • Bacterial persistence represents a critical challenge in effectively treating bacterial infections with antibiotics.
  • Further research into the mechanisms and mitigation of persistence is essential for improving patient outcomes.
  • Clinical microbiology practices should consider the role of persistence in treatment strategies.

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