What is quorum sensing in prokaryotes?
Antibiotic resistance is the ability of microorganisms, particularly bacteria, to survive
and multiply in the presence of therapeutic levels of antibiotics. It is a major public
health concern, as infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria are difficult to
treat and can lead to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs.
Antibiotic resistance in bacteria can arise through several mechanisms, including
genetic mutations, exchange of genetic material through horizontal gene transfer,
and selective pressure from the use of antibiotics. The latter is particularly important,
as sublethal concentrations of antibiotics can exert selective pressure that favors the
survival and proliferation of resistant bacteria. This can occur through several
mechanisms, including the upregulation of efflux pumps that expel antibiotics from
the cell, the modification of antibiotic targets to reduce their binding affinity, or the
production of enzymes that degrade or modify antibiotics.
Antibiotic resistance is a natural phenomenon that predates the use of antibiotics in
medicine. However, the widespread and indiscriminate use of antibiotics in human
and animal health has accelerated the development and spread of antibiotic
resistance in bacteria. In addition, the lack of new antibiotics in the pipeline and the
underinvestment in research and development of novel antibiotics have further
exacerbated the problem.
To address the challenge of antibiotic resistance, a comprehensive approach is
needed that includes measures to reduce the unnecessary use of antibiotics,
improve surveillance and control of infections, promote the development of new
antibiotics and alternative therapies, and strengthen the global response to antibiotic
resistance.
References:
- Laxminarayan, R., Matsoso, P., Pant, S., Brower, C., Røttingen, J.A., Klugman, K., ... &
Cars, O. (2016). Access to effective antimicrobials: a worldwide challenge. The Lancet,
387(10014), 168-175.
- O'Neill, J. (2016). Tackling drug-resistant infections globally: final report and
recommendations. Review on Antimicrobial Resistance.