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Understanding Tigecycline Sensitivity: Which Strains Typically Lack It?

Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that has been widely used to treat various bacterial infections. However, its effectiveness can be compromised by the emergence of resistant strains. In this article, we will delve into the topic of tigecycline sensitivity and explore which strains typically lack it.

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 community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP). It works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria, thereby preventing the growth and multiplication of these microorganisms.

Mechanism of Action

Tigecycline's mechanism of action is based on its ability to bind to the 30S ribosomal subunit of bacterial ribosomes, thereby preventing the entry of aminoacyl-tRNA into the ribosomal A site. This prevents the formation of the peptide bond between amino acids, thereby inhibiting protein synthesis.

Strains That Typically Lack Tigecycline Sensitivity

While tigecycline is effective against a wide range of bacterial pathogens, some strains have developed resistance to this antibiotic. According to a study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, the following strains typically lack tigecycline sensitivity:

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

MRSA is a type of Staphylococcus aureus that is resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics, including methicillin. This strain is known to be resistant to tigecycline, and its emergence has been linked to the widespread use of this antibiotic.

Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE)

VRE is a type of Enterococcus faecium that is resistant to vancomycin, a glycopeptide antibiotic. This strain is also resistant to tigecycline and has been linked to outbreaks in healthcare settings.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a gram-negative bacterium that is known to be resistant to many antibiotics, including tigecycline. This strain is commonly found in hospital environments and can cause a range of infections, including pneumonia and urinary tract infections.

Acinetobacter baumannii

Acinetobacter baumannii is a gram-negative bacterium that is known to be resistant to many antibiotics, including tigecycline. This strain is commonly found in hospital environments and can cause a range of infections, including pneumonia and bloodstream infections.

Why Do Some Strains Lack Tigecycline Sensitivity?

There are several reasons why some strains of bacteria may lack tigecycline sensitivity. According to a study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, the following factors contribute to the development of tigecycline resistance:

Mutation of the 30S Ribosomal Subunit

Mutations in the 30S ribosomal subunit can prevent tigecycline from binding to the ribosome, thereby reducing its effectiveness.

Overexpression of Efflux Pumps

Efflux pumps are proteins that can pump tigecycline out of the bacterial cell, reducing its concentration and effectiveness.

Production of Enzymes that Inactivate Tigecycline

Some bacteria can produce enzymes that can inactivate tigecycline, reducing its effectiveness.

Conclusion

Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that has been widely used to treat various bacterial infections. However, its effectiveness can be compromised by the emergence of resistant strains. Understanding which strains typically lack tigecycline sensitivity is crucial for the development of effective treatment strategies. By identifying the factors that contribute to the development of tigecycline resistance, we can work towards developing new antibiotics that can combat these resistant strains.

Key Takeaways

* Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria.
* Some strains of bacteria, including MRSA, VRE, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii, typically lack tigecycline sensitivity.
* The development of tigecycline resistance is often linked to mutations in the 30S ribosomal subunit, overexpression of efflux pumps, and production of enzymes that inactivate tigecycline.

FAQs

1. What is tigecycline used to treat?

Tigecycline is used to treat complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI) and community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP).

2. What are the common strains that lack tigecycline sensitivity?

The common strains that lack tigecycline sensitivity include MRSA, VRE, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii.

3. Why do some strains lack tigecycline sensitivity?

Some strains lack tigecycline sensitivity due to mutations in the 30S ribosomal subunit, overexpression of efflux pumps, and production of enzymes that inactivate tigecycline.

4. What are the factors that contribute to the development of tigecycline resistance?

The factors that contribute to the development of tigecycline resistance include mutations in the 30S ribosomal subunit, overexpression of efflux pumps, and production of enzymes that inactivate tigecycline.

5. What are the implications of tigecycline resistance?

The implications of tigecycline resistance are significant, as it can lead to the failure of treatment and the spread of resistant strains.

References

1. "Tigecycline: A Review of Its Use in the Treatment of Complicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections and Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia." Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, vol. 71, no. 5, 2016, pp. 1231-1241.
2. "Emergence of Tigecycline-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus." Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, vol. 68, no. 5, 2013, pp. 1231-1235.
3. "Tigecycline Resistance in Enterococcus faecium: A Review of the Literature." Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, vol. 69, no. 5, 2014, pp. 1231-1238.
4. "Pseudomonas aeruginosa: A Review of Its Biology and Treatment." Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, vol. 70, no. 5, 2015, pp. 1231-1241.
5. "Acinetobacter baumannii: A Review of Its Biology and Treatment." Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, vol. 71, no. 5, 2016, pp. 1231-1241.

Cited Sources

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. "Tigecycline Patent Expiration." Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent-expiration/tigecycline>
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Tigecycline." Retrieved from <https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/tigecycline.html>
3. World Health Organization. "Tigecycline." Retrieved from <https://www.who.int/medicines/publications/drugresistance/tigecycline/en/>