Fluoroquinolone Resistance in Bacteria
Author Information
Author(s): David C. Hooper
Primary Institution: Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School
Hypothesis
What are the mechanisms behind fluoroquinolone resistance in bacteria?
Conclusion
Fluoroquinolone resistance has emerged primarily due to chromosomal mutations in target enzymes and the overexpression of multidrug resistance pumps.
Supporting Evidence
- Resistance has emerged in bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa due to single mutations.
- Multiple mutations are required for resistance in bacteria such as Campylobacter jejuni and Escherichia coli.
- Fluoroquinolone resistance has increased in some settings, particularly in species requiring multiple mutations.
Takeaway
Some bacteria are becoming resistant to fluoroquinolone antibiotics, which are used to treat infections. This happens because the bacteria change their DNA or pump the medicine out of their cells.
Methodology
The study examines the mechanisms of fluoroquinolone resistance and discusses epidemiologic factors contributing to antibiotic resistance.
Limitations
The prevalence of plasmid-mediated fluoroquinolone resistance in clinical settings is not well understood.
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