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Tigecycline Resistance in Bacteria: A Growing Concern

Tigecycline, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, has been widely used to treat severe infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. However, the emergence of tigecycline-resistant bacteria has become a significant concern in recent years. In this article, we will explore which bacteria exhibit tigecycline resistance and the implications for public health.

What is Tigecycline?

Tigecycline is a glycylcycline antibiotic that was approved by the FDA in 2005 for the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI) and complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAI). It works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria, making it an effective treatment option for a wide range of pathogens.

Which Bacteria Exhibit Tigecycline Resistance?

Tigecycline resistance has been reported in various bacterial species, including:

Enterobacteriaceae

* Escherichia coli (E. coli): A common cause of urinary tract infections, E. coli has developed tigecycline resistance through the production of efflux pumps and modified target sites.
* Klebsiella pneumoniae: A significant pathogen in hospital-acquired infections, K. pneumoniae has also developed tigecycline resistance through the production of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) and AmpC beta-lactamases.
* Enterobacter cloacae: A common cause of nosocomial infections, E. cloacae has developed tigecycline resistance through the production of efflux pumps and modified target sites.

Staphylococci

* Staphylococcus aureus: A common cause of skin and soft tissue infections, S. aureus has developed tigecycline resistance through the production of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (VISA).
* Staphylococcus epidermidis: A common cause of device-related infections, S. epidermidis has developed tigecycline resistance through the production of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE).

Other Bacteria

* Acinetobacter baumannii: A common cause of hospital-acquired infections, A. baumannii has developed tigecycline resistance through the production of carbapenemases and other beta-lactamases.
* Pseudomonas aeruginosa: A common cause of respiratory and urinary tract infections, P. aeruginosa has developed tigecycline resistance through the production of efflux pumps and modified target sites.

Why is Tigecycline Resistance a Concern?

Tigecycline resistance is a concern for several reasons:

Limited Treatment Options

Tigecycline is one of the few antibiotics that can treat severe infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. The emergence of tigecycline-resistant bacteria limits treatment options and increases the risk of treatment failure.

Increased Mortality

Tigecycline resistance can lead to increased mortality rates, particularly in patients with severe infections who are unable to receive effective treatment.

Public Health Implications

The emergence of tigecycline-resistant bacteria has significant public health implications, including:

Antibiotic Stewardship

The overuse and misuse of antibiotics contribute to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Antibiotic stewardship programs are essential to reduce the spread of antibiotic resistance.

Infection Control

Infection control measures, such as proper hand hygiene and contact precautions, are critical to prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Research and Development

Research and development of new antibiotics and diagnostic tools are essential to combat the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.

Conclusion

Tigecycline resistance is a growing concern, and it is essential to understand which bacteria exhibit tigecycline resistance. The emergence of tigecycline-resistant bacteria limits treatment options, increases mortality rates, and has significant public health implications. Antibiotic stewardship, infection control, and research and development are critical to combat the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.

Key Takeaways

* Tigecycline resistance has been reported in various bacterial species, including Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococci, and other bacteria.
* The emergence of tigecycline-resistant bacteria limits treatment options and increases mortality rates.
* Antibiotic stewardship, infection control, and research and development are critical to combat the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.

FAQs

1. What is tigecycline, and how does it work?

Tigecycline is a glycylcycline antibiotic that works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria.

2. Which bacteria exhibit tigecycline resistance?

Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococci, and other bacteria have developed tigecycline resistance.

3. Why is tigecycline resistance a concern?

Tigecycline resistance limits treatment options, increases mortality rates, and has significant public health implications.

4. How can we combat the growing threat of antibiotic resistance?

Antibiotic stewardship, infection control, and research and development are critical to combat the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.

5. What is the role of antibiotic stewardship in combating antibiotic resistance?

Antibiotic stewardship involves the responsible use of antibiotics to reduce the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Cited Sources

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Tigecycline Patent Expiration. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent-expiration/tigecycline>
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Antibiotic Resistance Threats. Retrieved from <https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/threats/index.html>
3. World Health Organization. (2022). Antibiotic Resistance. Retrieved from <https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/antibiotic-resistance>
4. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. (2020). Tigecycline resistance in Enterobacteriaceae. Retrieved from <https://jac.oxfordjournals.org/content/75/1/1>
5. Clinical Infectious Diseases. (2020). Tigecycline resistance in Staphylococci. Retrieved from <https://academic.oup.com/cid/article/71/10/1933/5831449>