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Published on: May 2, 2018
Using SimulATe to model the effects of antibiotic selective pressure on the dynamics of pathogenic bacterial
Pedro H C David1, Xana Sá-Pinto2,3, Teresa Nogueira1
1Centro de Ecologia, Evolução e Alterações Ambientais (CE3c), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
Abstract:
Antibiotics are notable weapons in fighting bacteria. Nowadays, however, the effectiveness of antibiotics is severely hindered by the increasing levels of antibiotic resistances in pathogenic bacterial populations, which can persist due to the selective pressure caused by antibiotic exposure. Arguably, the main cause of antibiotic resistances endurance in nature is antibiotic misuse, such as via overusing, inappropriate prescribing as well as the uncontrolled use in agriculture and livestock. There is also a lack of knowledge on appropriate antibiotic usage by the general public. Public scientific literacy and more research on therapeutic practices are fundamental to tackle this problem. Here, we present SimulATe a software which allows the simulation of the effects of antibiotic therapies on bacterial populations during human infections. This software can be used to develop students' scientific literacy, using infections and antibiotic treatments as context to engage students in scientific practices, and discussions on antibiotic treatment onset and duration or on its use in immunosuppressed or critically ill individuals. SimulATe's features also allow it to be used for research purposes allowing the simulation of real scenarios and exploration of their outcomes across the parameters' landscape.
Insights
Antibiotic resistance is a growing threat due to misuse. SimulATe software simulates antibiotic therapies to improve understanding and research in bacterial infections and treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Medical Education
Background:
- Antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacteria is a significant global health challenge.
- Antibiotic misuse in human and agricultural sectors drives resistance.
- Limited public scientific literacy exacerbates the problem of antibiotic resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce SimulATe, a novel software for simulating antibiotic therapy effects on bacterial populations during human infections.
- To enhance scientific literacy among students regarding antibiotic use and bacterial infections.
- To provide a research tool for exploring antibiotic treatment outcomes in various clinical scenarios.
Main Methods:
- Development of SimulATe software for simulating antibiotic therapies.
- Utilizing the software to model bacterial population dynamics under antibiotic pressure.
- Exploring parameter landscapes to understand treatment efficacy and resistance development.
Main Results:
- SimulATe enables visualization of antibiotic treatment effects on bacterial populations.
- The software facilitates educational engagement with scientific practices related to infections and antibiotics.
- Simulations allow for the exploration of diverse treatment strategies and their potential outcomes.
Conclusions:
- SimulATe serves as a valuable tool for both scientific literacy development and research in antibiotic therapy.
- The software aids in understanding the complexities of antibiotic resistance and treatment optimization.
- Promoting scientific literacy and utilizing simulation tools are crucial for combating antibiotic resistance.
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