antibiotic resistance
Editor's Pick Research Article | Applied and Environmental ScienceEvaluation of Acquired Antibiotic Resistance in Escherichia coli Exposed to Long-Term Low-Shear Modeled Microgravity and Background Antibiotic ExposureStress factors experienced during space include microgravity, sleep deprivation, radiation, isolation, and microbial contamination, all of which can promote immune suppression (1, 2). Under these conditions, the risk of infection from opportunistic pathogens increases significantly, particularly during long-term missions (...
Research Article | Clinical Science and EpidemiologyPopulation Structure, Antibiotic Resistance, and Uropathogenicity of Klebsiella variicolaInfections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens are a growing public health threat. Understanding of pathogen relatedness and biology is imperative for tracking outbreaks and developing therapeutics. Here, we detail the phylogenetic structure of 145 K. variicola genomes from different continents. Our results have important clinical ramifications as high-...
Editor's Pick Research Article | Molecular Biology and PhysiologyGain-of-Function Mutations in the Phospholipid Flippase MprF Confer Specific Daptomycin ResistanceEver since daptomycin was introduced to the clinic, daptomycin-resistant isolates have been reported. In most cases, the resistant isolates harbor point mutations in MprF, which produces and flips the positively charged phospholipid LysPG. This has led to the assumption that the resistance mechanism relies on the overproduction of LysPG, given that increased LysPG production may lead to increased electrostatic repulsion of positively...
Research Article | Clinical Science and EpidemiologyIntrinsic Class D β-Lactamases of Clostridium difficileC. difficile is a spore-forming anaerobic bacterium which causes infection of the large intestine with high mortality rates. The C. difficile infection is difficult to prevent and treat, as the pathogen is resistant to many antimicrobial agents. Prolonged use of β-lactam antibiotics for treatment of...
Research Article | Therapeutics and PreventionDeciphering the Evolution of Cephalosporin Resistance to Ceftolozane-Tazobactam in Pseudomonas aeruginosaThe presence of β-lactamases (e.g., PDC-3) that have naturally evolved and acquired the ability to break down β-lactam antibiotics (e.g., ceftazidime and ceftolozane) leads to highly resistant and potentially lethal Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections. We show that wild-type PDC-3 β-lactamase forms an acyl enzyme complex with ceftazidime, but it cannot accommodate the...
Commentary | Clinical Science and EpidemiologyPig Movement and Antimicrobial Use Drive Transmission of Livestock-Associated Staphylococcus aureus CC398The epidemiology of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus has changed considerably over the last 3 decades, including the recognition of lineages associated with the community and with livestock exposure, in addition to nosocomial strains. A recent study by R.
Research Article | Therapeutics and PreventionChemical Synergy between Ionophore PBT2 and Zinc Reverses Antibiotic ResistanceThe rise of bacterial antibiotic resistance coupled with a reduction in new antibiotic development has placed significant burdens on global health care. Resistant bacterial pathogens such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus are leading causes of community- and hospital-acquired infection and present a...
Research Article | Molecular Biology and PhysiologyRoles of Cholesteryl-α-Glucoside Transferase and Cholesteryl Glucosides in Maintenance of Helicobacter pylori Morphology, Cell Wall Integrity, and Resistance to AntibioticsHelicobacter pylori is an important cause of chronic gastritis leading to peptic ulcer and is a major risk factor for gastric malignancies. Failure in the eradication of H. pylori infection and increasing antibiotic resistance are two major problems in preventing...
Research Article | Molecular Biology and PhysiologyMechanistic Basis for Decreased Antimicrobial Susceptibility in a Clinical Isolate of Neisseria gonorrhoeae Possessing a Mosaic-Like mtr Efflux Pump LocusHistorically, after introduction of an antibiotic for treatment of gonorrhea, strains of N. gonorrhoeae emerge that display clinical resistance due to spontaneous mutation or acquisition of resistance genes. Genetic exchange between members of the Neisseria genus occurring by transformation can cause significant changes in gonococci that impact the structure...
Research Article | Molecular Biology and PhysiologyA Small Regulatory RNA Controls Cell Wall Biosynthesis and Antibiotic ResistanceThe alphaproteobacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens is able to infect various eudicots causing crown gall tumor formation. Based on its unique ability of interkingdom gene transfer, Agrobacterium serves as a crucial biotechnological tool for genetic manipulation of plant cells. The presence of...