scholarly journals Antibiotic Resistance Increases Evolvability and Maximizes Opportunities Across Fitness Landscapes

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabrizio Spagnolo ◽  
Daniel E. Dykhuizen
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Fitness Landscapes ◽  
Resistant Bacteria ◽  
Major Question ◽  
Antibiotic Resistant ◽  
Resistant Strains ◽  
Compensatory Mutations ◽  
Selection For

AbstractAntibiotic resistance continues to grow as a public health problem. One of the reasons for this continued growth is that resistance to antibiotics is strongly selected for in the presence of antibiotics and weakly selected against after their removal. This is frequently thought to be due to the effects of compensatory mutations. However, compensatory mutations are often not found in clinically relevant strains of antibiotic resistant pathogens. Here, we conduct experiments in vitro that highlight the role that fine scale differences in environment play in the maintenance of populations after selection for resistance. We show that differences in the mode of growth, dictated by environmental factors, are capable of reliably changing the force and direction of selection. Our results show that antibiotic resistance can increase evolvability in environments if conditions for selection exist, selecting differentially for newly arising variation and moving populations to previously unavailable adaptive peaks.SignificanceAntibiotic resistant bacteria are a large and growing problem for public health. A major question has been why antibiotic resistant strains do not disappear when they must compete with higher fitness drug sensitive strains. Here we show that selection for antibiotic resistant strains is particularly sensitive to differences in environmental conditions and that these differences help to define the fitness landscapes upon which these populations adapt. The result is an increase in evolvability, with many adaptive peaks that drug resistant populations can explore through natural selection, making predictions of evolution difficult and selection against resistant strains improbable.

scholarly journals Thinking Outside the Bug: Molecular Targets and Strategies to Overcome Antibiotic Resistance

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
pp. 1255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Monserrat-Martinez ◽  
Yann Gambin ◽  
Emma Sierecki
Keyword(s):  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Bacterial Infections ◽  
Rational Design ◽  
Disease Onset ◽  
Resistant Bacteria ◽  
Antibiotic Resistant ◽  
New Antibiotics ◽  
Resistant Strains ◽  
Vancomycin Resistant ◽  
Antibiotic Discovery

Since their discovery in the early 20th century, antibiotics have been used as the primary weapon against bacterial infections. Due to their prophylactic effect, they are also used as part of the cocktail of drugs given to treat complex diseases such as cancer or during surgery, in order to prevent infection. This has resulted in a decrease of mortality from infectious diseases and an increase in life expectancy in the last 100 years. However, as a consequence of administering antibiotics broadly to the population and sometimes misusing them, antibiotic-resistant bacteria have appeared. The emergence of resistant strains is a global health threat to humanity. Highly-resistant bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-resistant) or Enterococcus faecium (vancomycin-resistant) have led to complications in intensive care units, increasing medical costs and putting patient lives at risk. The appearance of these resistant strains together with the difficulty in finding new antimicrobials has alarmed the scientific community. Most of the strategies currently employed to develop new antibiotics point towards novel approaches for drug design based on prodrugs or rational design of new molecules. However, targeting crucial bacterial processes by these means will keep creating evolutionary pressure towards drug resistance. In this review, we discuss antibiotic resistance and new options for antibiotic discovery, focusing in particular on new alternatives aiming to disarm the bacteria or empower the host to avoid disease onset.

scholarly journals Antibiotics in Food Chain: The Consequences for Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 688
Author(s):  
Shashi B. Kumar ◽  
Shanvanth R. Arnipalli ◽  
Ouliana Ziouzenkova
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Food Chain ◽  
Bacterial Infections ◽  
Antibiotic Resistance Genes ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Resistant Bacteria ◽  
Alternative Strategies ◽  
Antibiotic Resistant ◽  
Continuous Use

Antibiotics have been used as essential therapeutics for nearly 100 years and, increasingly, as a preventive agent in the agricultural and animal industry. Continuous use and misuse of antibiotics have provoked the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria that progressively increased mortality from multidrug-resistant bacterial infections, thereby posing a tremendous threat to public health. The goal of our review is to advance the understanding of mechanisms of dissemination and the development of antibiotic resistance genes in the context of nutrition and related clinical, agricultural, veterinary, and environmental settings. We conclude with an overview of alternative strategies, including probiotics, essential oils, vaccines, and antibodies, as primary or adjunct preventive antimicrobial measures or therapies against multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. The solution for antibiotic resistance will require comprehensive and incessant efforts of policymakers in agriculture along with the development of alternative therapeutics by experts in diverse fields of microbiology, biochemistry, clinical research, genetic, and computational engineering.

scholarly journals Antibiotic Resistance of Gram-Negative Bacteria from Wild Captured Loggerhead Sea Turtles

Antibiotics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 162 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monica Francesca Blasi ◽  
Luciana Migliore ◽  
Daniela Mattei ◽  
Alice Rotini ◽  
Maria Cristina Thaller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Sea Turtles ◽  
Resistant Bacteria ◽  
Gram Negative Bacteria ◽  
Marine Animals ◽  
Loggerhead Sea Turtles ◽  
Antibiotic Resistant ◽  
Gram Negative ◽  
Marine Habitats ◽  
Resistant Strains

Sea turtles have been proposed as health indicators of marine habitats and carriers of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, for their longevity and migratory lifestyle. Up to now, a few studies evaluated the antibacterial resistant flora of Mediterranean loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) and most of them were carried out on stranded or recovered animals. In this study, the isolation and the antibiotic resistance profile of 90 Gram negative bacteria from cloacal swabs of 33 Mediterranean wild captured loggerhead sea turtles are described. Among sea turtles found in their foraging sites, 23 were in good health and 10 needed recovery for different health problems (hereafter named weak). Isolated cloacal bacteria belonged mainly to Enterobacteriaceae (59%), Shewanellaceae (31%) and Vibrionaceae families (5%). Although slight differences in the bacterial composition, healthy and weak sea turtles shared antibiotic-resistant strains. In total, 74 strains were endowed with one or multi resistance (up to five different drugs) phenotypes, mainly towards ampicillin (~70%) or sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (more than 30%). Hence, our results confirmed the presence of antibiotic-resistant strains also in healthy marine animals and the role of the loggerhead sea turtles in spreading antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

scholarly journals Assessment of Bacterial Antibiotic Resistance Transfer in the Gut

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanne Schjørring ◽  
Karen A. Krogfelt
Keyword(s):  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Gene Transfer ◽  
Resistance Genes ◽  
Bacterial Flora ◽  
Antibiotic Resistance Genes ◽  
Resistant Bacteria ◽  
Gi Tract ◽  
Antibiotic Resistant ◽  
Multiresistant Bacteria ◽  
Resistant Strains

We assessed horizontal gene transfer between bacteria in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. During the last decades, the emergence of antibiotic resistant strains and treatment failures of bacterial infections have increased the public awareness of antibiotic usage. The use of broad spectrum antibiotics creates a selective pressure on the bacterial flora, thus increasing the emergence of multiresistant bacteria, which results in a vicious circle of treatments and emergence of new antibiotic resistant bacteria. The human gastrointestinal tract is a massive reservoir of bacteria with a potential for both receiving and transferring antibiotic resistance genes. The increased use of fermented food products and probiotics, as food supplements and health promoting products containing massive amounts of bacteria acting as either donors and/or recipients of antibiotic resistance genes in the human GI tract, also contributes to the emergence of antibiotic resistant strains. This paper deals with the assessment of antibiotic resistance gene transfer occurring in the gut.

scholarly journals Modeling and Simulation of Source Separation in Sanitation Systems for Reducing Emissions of Antimicrobial Resistances

Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (23) ◽  
pp. 3342
Author(s):  
Jörg Londong ◽  
Marcus Barth ◽  
Heinrich Söbke
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Resistance Genes ◽  
Aquatic Environment ◽  
Source Separation ◽  
Antibiotic Resistance Genes ◽  
Resistant Bacteria ◽  
Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria ◽  
Antibiotic Resistant ◽  
Sanitation Systems

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the top ten threats to public health worldwide. In addition to public health, AMR also poses a major threat to food security and economic development. Current sanitation systems contribute to the emergence and spread of AMR and lack effective AMR mitigation measures. This study assesses source separation of blackwater as a mitigation measure against AMR. A source-separation-modified combined sanitation system with separate collection of blackwater and graywater is conceptually described. Measures taken at the source, such as the separate collection and discharge of material flows, were not considered so far on a load balance basis, i.e., they have not yet been evaluated for their effectiveness. The sanitation system described is compared with a combined system and a separate system regarding AMR emissions by means of simulation. AMR is represented in the simulation model by one proxy parameter each for antibiotics (sulfamethoxazole), antibiotic-resistant bacteria (extended-spectrum beta-lactamase E. Coli), and antibiotic resistance genes (blaTEM). The simulation results suggest that the source-separation-based sanitation system reduces emissions of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes into the aquatic environment by more than six logarithm steps compared to combined systems. Sulfamethoxazole emissions can be reduced by 75.5% by keeping blackwater separate from graywater and treating it sufficiently. In summary, sanitation systems incorporating source separation are, to date, among the most effective means of preventing the emission of AMR into the aquatic environment.

scholarly journals Inhibition of Klebsiella pneumonia by a Novel Strain of Paenibacillus

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhan Yang ◽  
Huijuan Su ◽  
Xinru Cheng ◽  
Xiaobo Li ◽  
Huihui Lian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Molecular Weight ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Paenibacillus Polymyxa ◽  
Klebsiella Pneumonia ◽  
Drug Resistant ◽  
Antibiotic Resistant ◽  
Metabolic Analysis ◽  
Resistant Strains ◽  
Healthy Dogs

AbstractKlebsiella pneumoniae is the causative agent of Klebsiella pneumonia and enteritis, and the prevalence of antibiotic resistant strains is becoming a serious public health problem. In this study, we isolated a novel strain of Paenibacillus polymyxa from the fecal extracts of healthy dogs that were challenged with K. pneumoniae. By combination of transposon mutagenesis and metabolic analysis, a nonribosomal peptide synthase gene cluster was identified to be involved in the antagonism, and the molecular weight of the compound was 1168.38 g/mol. These findings will enlarge the arsenal against drug-resistant pathogens.

scholarly journals Wildlife Is Overlooked in the Epidemiology of Medically Important Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

2019 ◽  
Vol 63 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Monika Dolejska ◽  
Ivan Literak
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Resistant Bacteria ◽  
Wild Animals ◽  
Antibiotic Resistant ◽  
The Public ◽  
Potential Risks ◽  
Novel Approaches ◽  
Human Animal

ABSTRACT Wild animals foraging in the human-influenced environment are colonized by bacteria with clinically important antibiotic resistance. The occurrence of such bacteria in wildlife is influenced by various biological, ecological, and geographical factors which have not yet been fully understood. More research focusing on the human-animal-environmental interface and using novel approaches is required to understand the role of wild animals in the transmission of antibiotic resistance and to assess potential risks for the public health.

Advances in Data-Driven Responses to Preventing Spread of Antibiotic Resistance Across Health-Care Settings

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott K Fridkin
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Big Data ◽  
Bacterial Infections ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Data Driven ◽  
Resistant Bacteria ◽  
Antibiotic Resistant ◽  
Health Care Settings

Abstract Among the most urgent and serious threats to public health are 7 antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections predominately acquired during health-care delivery. There is an emerging field of health-care epidemiology that is focused on preventing health care–associated infections with antibiotic-resistant bacteria and incorporates data from patient transfers or patient movements within and between facilities. This analytic field is being used to help public health professionals identify best opportunities for prevention. Different analytic approaches that draw on uses of big data are being explored to help target the use of limited public health resources, leverage expertise, and enact effective policy to maximize an impact on population-level health. Here, the following recent advances in data-driven responses to preventing spread of antibiotic resistance across health-care settings are summarized: leveraging big data for machine learning, integration or advances in tracking patient movement, and highlighting the value of coordinating response across institutions within a region.

scholarly journals Antibiotic-resistant microbiota of water and soil ecosystems as risk factors for human health

2021 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-70
Author(s):  
T. Yu. Matylonok ◽  
O. Ye. Pakhomov ◽  
N. M. Polishchuck
Keyword(s):  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Resistance Genes ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Resistant Bacteria ◽  
Antibacterial Drugs ◽  
Antibiotic Resistant ◽  
Soil Ecosystems ◽  
The World ◽  
Resistant Strains

Bacterial resistance to antibiotics is one of the three major health challenges of the 21st century. One of the most important reasons for the acquisition and spread of antibiotic resistance in the environment is the irrational and uncontrolled use of antibacterial drugs, not only for medical but also other purposes, and their improper disposal. The microbiome of aquatic and soil ecosystems is characterized by the acquisition of antibiotic resistance through mobile genetic elements, contact with antibacterial drugs and their residues, the action of heavy metals and environmental stress. Also, according to the literature, it is noted that the resistance of microorganisms to antibacterial drugs in the environment existed much earlier than in clinical strains. These facts can not help but worry, because antibiotic-resistant strains of the environment have an extremely negative impact on human health. Once in the human body with water and food, they significantly complicate and / or make it impossible to further treat life-threatening diseases. Also, antibacterial residues circulating in aquatic and soil ecosystems, entering the human body can cause cancer, allergic reactions or disruption of the natural intestinal microflora. These ecosystems are characterized by large-scale spread of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, antibacterial drugs and their residues. The aim of our work was to analyze with the help of theoretical methods of scientific research the reasons for the acquisition and spread of antibiotic resistance among environmental microbiota, namely in aquatic and soil ecosystems. To determine the impact of antibiotic-resistant bacteria of these ecosystems on human health. We have found that antibacterial drugs, antibiotic-resistant strains and resistance genes are a particular problem for wastewater treatment. Antibiotics can provide a selective load, as the mechanisms that break them down can promote resilience and selectively enrich. Wastewater treatment plants can be a favorable factor for the horizontal transfer of genes and the development of bacterial polyresistance, and high-resistance genes can be preserved even after disinfection. Soil is also an important reservoir for antibiotic-resistant bacteria and resistance genes. Microorganisms are in a constant struggle for existence in this ecosystem and try to colonize the micro-scale with the most favorable for their ecotype habitat. Antibiotic-resistant soil bacteria are in close contact with other members of the microbiota, which in turn promotes the horizontal transfer of resistance genes, even between cells of different species or genera through genetic determinants. Conclusion: ecosystems are characterized by large-scale spread of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, antibacterial drugs and their residues. Therefore, this problem should be properly addressed, as the presence of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, antibacterial drugs and their residues in the environment can cause unpredictable environmental consequences and adversely affect human health with more severe incurable infectious diseases. Monitoring programs for antibiotic-resistant microorganisms and resistance genes in soil and aquatic ecosystems are necessary and very relevant today. After all, this microbiota poses a serious threat to both the environment and human health and can easily spread from one part of the world around the world.

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