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Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance in the Shadow of COVID-19
1Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Abstract:
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a challenge for ongoing efforts to combat antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacterial infections. As we learn more about COVID-19 disease and drug stewardship evolves, there is likely to be a lasting impact of increased use of antimicrobial agents and antibiotics, as well as a lack of consistent access to health care across many populations. Sexually transmitted infections have been underreported during the pandemic and are often caused by some of the most drug-resistant pathogens. In their recent article in mBio, Parzych et al. (E. M. Parzych, S. Gulati, B. Zheng, M. A. Bah, et al., mBio 12:e00242-21, 2021, https://doi.org/10.1128/mBio.00242-21) focus on protection against Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection via in vivo delivery of an antigonococcal DNA-encoded antibody that has been modified for increased complement activation. Nucleic acid approaches are highly adaptable and could be tremendously beneficial for personalized strategies to combat AMR pathogens.
Insights
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing threat exacerbated by COVID-19. Researchers explored DNA-encoded antibodies to combat drug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae, offering a novel approach to personalized AMR pathogen strategies.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified challenges in combating antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacterial infections.
- Increased antimicrobial use and healthcare access issues during the pandemic may worsen AMR.
- Sexually transmitted infections, often caused by drug-resistant pathogens, have been underreported.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of DNA-encoded antibodies for combating drug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
- To evaluate an antigonococcal DNA-encoded antibody modified for enhanced complement activation for in vivo delivery.
Main Methods:
- The study focused on the in vivo delivery of a DNA-encoded antibody targeting Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
- The antibody was engineered for improved complement activation.
Main Results:
- The research demonstrated a novel approach using DNA-encoded antibodies against a specific AMR pathogen.
- The modified antibody showed potential for enhanced complement activation.
Conclusions:
- Nucleic acid-based strategies are adaptable and promising for personalized approaches against AMR pathogens.
- This study highlights a potential new avenue for developing treatments against drug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
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