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Origin and molecular epidemiology of penicillin-binding-protein-mediated resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics
C G Dowson1, T J Coffey, B G Spratt
1Microbial Genetics Group, School of Biological Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK.
Abstract:
Resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics in some naturally transformable bacterial pathogens has arisen by interspecies recombinational events that have generated hybrid penicillin-binding proteins with reduced affinity for the antibiotics. This type of resistance is of particular concern in pneumococci, in which it is increasing worldwide.
Insights
Bacterial pathogens acquire resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics through genetic recombination, creating hybrid proteins that reduce antibiotic effectiveness. This is a growing concern, especially in pneumococci infections worldwide.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Beta-lactam antibiotics are crucial for treating bacterial infections.
- Naturally transformable bacterial pathogens can acquire antibiotic resistance.
- Interspecies recombination is a mechanism for genetic exchange in bacteria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic mechanisms of beta-lactam antibiotic resistance in naturally transformable bacterial pathogens.
- To understand the role of interspecies recombination in generating resistance.
- To highlight the increasing concern of this resistance in pneumococci.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of genetic events leading to hybrid penicillin-binding proteins.
- Assessment of the affinity of hybrid proteins for beta-lactam antibiotics.
- Epidemiological data review on the prevalence of resistance in pneumococci.
Main Results:
- Interspecies recombination generates hybrid penicillin-binding proteins.
- These hybrid proteins exhibit reduced affinity for beta-lactam antibiotics.
- This resistance mechanism is increasingly prevalent in pneumococci globally.
Conclusions:
- Hybrid penicillin-binding proteins resulting from interspecies recombination are a significant cause of beta-lactam resistance.
- The spread of this resistance in pneumococci poses a growing public health threat.
- Understanding these genetic mechanisms is vital for developing new therapeutic strategies.