Health UK (Commonwealth Union) – Scientists at the University of Sheffield have made a groundbreaking discovery regarding the development of antibiotic resistance in pneumonia-causing bacteria.
This new research has unveiled a genetic marker left within the bacterial genomes as they evolve to resist antibiotic treatment. This breakthrough provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, enabling scientists to make more accurate predictions about which strains of pneumonia are likely to develop high levels of resistance in the future. Consequently, this knowledge will allow for the implementation of proactive control measures aimed at saving patients’ lives.
Pneumonia is a severe infection and ranks as the third leading cause of death in the UK population. Many of these infections are attributed to Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae), a bacterium for which antibiotics are prescribed to eliminate. However, these bacteria are increasingly developing resistance mechanisms that pose a long-term threat to patient treatment.
S. pneumoniae is a gram-positive, encapsulated bacterium. It is commonly found colonizing the nasopharynx of healthy individuals, often without causing illness. However, under certain conditions, these bacteria can invade other parts of the body and cause diseases, ranging from mild respiratory infections to life-threatening conditions like meningitis and septicemia.
The bacterium’s virulence is closely linked to its capsule—a protective outer layer that helps it evade the host’s immune system. Over 90 different capsule types have been identified, contributing to the bacterium’s ability to cause a diverse array of diseases. This diversity also poses challenges for treating the condition.
Pneumococcal bacteria are typically transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Close contact with an infected individual or contaminated surfaces can also facilitate transmission. Given its prevalence and ease of transmission, pneumococcal infections are a major public health concern.
The research team from Sheffield has identified specific mutations known as pde1, which serve as a gateway in the evolutionary process by which S. pneumoniae cells acquire antibiotic resistance.
Dr. Andrew Fenton, the lead author from the School of Biosciences at the University of Sheffield, indicated that pneumonia is a perilous and life-threatening infection, and effective antibiotic treatment is crucial for patient well-being. Nevertheless, the efficacy of antibiotics is progressively endangered as the bacteria responsible for pneumonia develop resistance to antibiotic treatment over time.
“This research has identified a genetic scar left in the genomes of bacteria as they become resistant to antibiotic treatment. This is a major step forward in understanding how resistance occurs and how we might be able to predict it.
“If we understand the emergence of antibiotic resistance then we can predict what groups of bacterial strains are becoming more dangerous. Giving us time to put control measures in place to stop their spread, saving patients’ lives.”
Researchers indicated that in the past decade, numerous extensive genome association and genetic studies have been conducted to investigate antibiotic resistance in S. pneumoniae. Regrettably, these efforts have not yielded effective strategies for mitigation.
Published in the journal PNAS, this study represents a noteworthy advancement in our molecular comprehension of antibiotic resistance. It introduces pde1 as one of the limited mutations known to facilitate antibiotic resistance in S. pneumoniae.
Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria evolve and adapt to survive exposure to antibiotics, rendering these drugs ineffective in treating infections. This phenomenon is driven by several key factors.
Overuse and Misuse of antibiotics are often prescribed when they are not needed, such as for viral infections like the common cold. Patients may not complete their prescribed antibiotic courses, allowing resistant bacteria to survive and multiply.
Global Travel can also bring about resistance to bacteria can spread across borders as people and goods move globally. This international transmission has made antibiotic resistance a worldwide concern.
