Researchers have identified a new genetic mechanism that allows deadly bacteria like Klebsiella pneumoniae to develop resistance against multiple antibiotics, posing a growing threat to public health.
Superbugs Is Use of Antibiotics: A Scientific Embed.
Although antibiotics have been a life-saving aid for generations, their overuse by society has spawned an alarming trend.acteria are morphing to obtain immunity against these antibiotics leaving the once tried-and-true medications toothless and impotent.
This, in turn has made common bacterial infections easily treatable once but are now progressing to become more and more difficult to cure. The rise of antimicrobial resistance is a worldwide health emergency, with very real consequences for those at greatest risk and society at large.
Revealing the Genetic Secrets of Klebsiella pneumoniae
Scientists at the University of Albany have discovered how one of the ‘baddest of the bad’ superbugs–Klebsiella pneumoniae–spreads its resistance genes.
K. pneumoniae is a leading source of bloodstream infections worldwide, and can additionally cause serious conditions such as pneumonia and sepsis. When the team analysed 136 K. pneumoniae isolated from patient samples, what they discovered was alarming: a large spectrum of genetic sequences and a significant fraction of these bacterial isolates were also multi-drug resistant-unstyled in type and form.
Of perhaps most concern, the researchers discovered that K. pneumoniae can shuttle its resistance genes using plasmids – small pieces of mobile DNA that are capable of carrying multiple resistance genes and spreading them between bacteria. This means the bacteria can mutate quickly and create more resistance against our dwindling supply of antibacterial weapons.
Conclusion
This new genetic mechanism driving the spread of antimicrobial resistance in K. pneumoniae provides an important step towards understanding and combating the larger problem of drug-resistant infections. As a result, ongoing research and surveillance are critical to establish evidence-based interventions on this global health issue, as improved measures will allow for the prevention of antibiotic resistant infections within at risk populations.
