Scientists at the Telethon Children’s Institute have discovered a previously unknown mechanism that allows bacteria to evade antibiotics. Research published in the journal Nature Communication.
Bacteria can change the genes responsible for antibiotic resistance. Resistance mechanisms include direct inactivation of antibiotics, prevention of antibiotic accumulation in bacteria, or mutation of systems targeted by antibiotics.
Some antibiotics (such as sulfamethoxazole) block the production of folic acid, which prevents bacterial growth. As it turns out, group A streptococci are able to “steal” folic acid derivatives from their infected host. At least one gene, called thfT, is responsible for this ability.
Group A streptococci usually cause sore throat and skin infections, but they can also cause systemic infections such as scarlet fever and toxic shock syndrome.
Partly due to the overuse of antibiotics, superbugs have accumulated multiple mechanisms of resistance. As a result, more than a million people die worldwide each year. Superbugs have even inhabited wild animals, including dolphins and bears. That’s why it’s important that science is one step ahead. Understanding resistance mechanisms is the first step in countering them, for example by prescribing a different type of antibiotic.
Source: Gazeta
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