Burkholderia multivorans Exhibits Antibiotic Collateral Sensitivity

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Antibiotic Resistance

Background:

• * *Burkholderia multivorans* is part of the *Burkholderia cepacia* complex, known for antibiotic resistance and chronic lung infections in cystic fibrosis patients.
• * Collateral sensitivity (CS) is a phenomenon where resistance to one antibiotic confers sensitivity to another, offering a strategy against multidrug resistance.
• * Previous studies have identified CS in *Escherichia coli*, *Pseudomonas aeruginosa*, and *Staphylococcus aureus*.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To investigate collateral sensitivity (CS) and cross-resistance (CR) patterns in *Burkholderia multivorans*.
• * To map CS and CR networks for six key antibiotics.
• * To identify potential genes associated with CS in this bacterium.

Main Methods:

• * Bacterial evolution experiments were conducted using *Burkholderia multivorans*.
• * Resistance profiles were assessed against six antibiotics: ceftazidime, chloramphenicol, levofloxacin, meropenem, minocycline, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.
• * Genetic analysis was performed to identify candidate genes involved in CS.

Main Results:

• * *Burkholderia multivorans* demonstrated both collateral sensitivity (CS) and cross-resistance (CR).
• * Comprehensive CS and CR networks were established for the tested antibiotics.
• * Candidate genes implicated in CS mechanisms were identified.

Conclusions:

• * The study establishes CS and CR networks for *B. multivorans*, providing insights into antibiotic interactions.
• * Antibiotics can be clustered based on resistance evolution, suggesting a targeted therapy approach.
• * Understanding these patterns can inform strategies for managing chronic infections and combating antibiotic resistance.